Solar Progress 06 2014 by Smart Energy Council

ISSN: 0729-6436

RET Review Casting a shadow over industry

Storage Progress Remote applications and advances

Back Contact cell Forward developments

Mapping significant solar installations Australia's larger solar energy plants

06/14

issue 2

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOLAR COUNCIL

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Contents

Australian Solar Council ASC CEO and Solar Progress Editor

SOLAR 2014: Show and tell

ASC Advocacy

Positive Quality Program launch

Professional membership

ASC Membership listing

Market dynamics News and views

Solar community

RET and rhetoric

GBE’s Fiona O’Hehir sets the scene

Renewables vs fossil fuels: a snapshot

Front cover: "Greening the Wharf” 1906 Suntech panels grace the roof of the Sydney Theatre Company. The 384 kW system reduces energy consumption by 70%. Picture courtesy of Suntech

Solar energy technology SolarReserve targets WA mines

ARENA in the spotlight

Andrew Blakers on IBC developments and benefits

Large solar Installations in Australia: the map

Glen Morris: Hot PV, hot water

Storage progress: LC Energy delivers remote power

Insights and analysis Giles Parkinson ponders WA’s potential power

34 46

Special features It’s Time: Solar power for Pacific schools

Hareon Solar’s stellar rise

Solar products and services ASM Money, Fronius, PV Connections, Si Clean Energy, SMA and Yingli 40

SOLAR PROGRESS is published by the Australian Solar Council (ASC). Solar Progress subscriptions: contact Anna Washington Executive Assistant, ASC, anna@solar.org.au or call 0409 802 707

EDITOR Dr Bill Parker Phone: 0403 583 676 editor@solar.org.au CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Blakers, Glen Morris, Giles Parkinson, Penny Parle, Paul Riley. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Joanna Joustra Phone: 0402 938 401 joanna@solar.org.au

36 AUSTRALIAN SOLAR COUNCIL CEO John Grimes PO Box 231 Mawson ACT 2607 www.solar.org.au ABN 32 006 824 148 Solar Progress was first published in 1980. The magazine aims to provide readers with an in-depth review of technologies, policies and progress towards a society which sources energy from the sun rather than fossil fuels.

Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Australian Solar Council. Although every effort is made to check the authenticity and accuracy of articles, neither ASC nor the editors are responsible for any inaccuracy. Solar Progress is published quarterly. www.solar.org.au

Solar Progress | 1

Bill Parker Editor

John Grimes Chief Executive, Australian Solar Council

With all the focus on solar PV in recent years, solar thermal (solar hot water in particular) has become the ‘forgotten cousin’ of the solar industry. And the fortunes of the solar hot water industry have been in dramatic decline during the past three years. Just as the abolition of the small-scale scheme (SRES) under the Renewable Energy Target would be devastating to solar PV, it would likely deliver a deathblow to solar hot water. There are two primary markets in solar hot water. The first is when an existing hot water system goes on the blink. And as anyone with a home and family will tell you, this is guaranteed to happen at the worst possible time financially. With bills to pay, people tend to select the cheapest hot water system to keep the family running. But in doing so, they turn a blind eye to the operating cost over time, and lock themselves into huge future power bills. The SRES is critical in getting people over the purchase price of solar hot water. The second market for solar hot water is the renovation and new construction sector. We need to do more to make sure that state and local governments mandate the use of solar hot water, thereby giving the community maximum lifetime cost savings. In Australia’s climate using the sun to heat water is a no-brainer. The alternative? We make electricity by burning coal, to heat water, to create steam, to drive a turbine, to create electricity. Electricity we then send over poles and wires hundreds of kilometres to where it is used. Steam age technology, with steam age consequences. We can do so much better.

The last thing I expected to see as I walked into the Solar 2014 exhibition space this year was a sophisticated hydraulic post driver designed to install steel supports under all soil conditions at a high rate. Made in Italy and in use around the world in the building of (amongst other things) solar farms. The post driver was a reminder that we are growing, and especially with the scale up of PV installation to solar farm level. The staff at the stand gave me a thorough technical resume of what the post driver would do and the price tag. Solar farm build cost is of course critical and this sort of machine is certainly part of the cost reduction process for large farms. We have one operational 10 MW solar farm at Greenough in WA soon be followed by a 20 MW plant at Royalla in the ACT. And there is more capacity to follow with 13 MW at Hume and a further 7 MW at Uriarra. The ACT and Australia will benefit from appropriate legislation and policies that have committed the capital territory to a range of measures that will build the ACT’s reliance on solar energy and the nation’s commitment to a clean energy future. Our centre spread shows our map for 2014 and the progress in rooftop PV installations in the past year at 1176 MW). There are several large PV installation now listed, including one 0.5 MW at Altona Vic. Solar progress indeed.

Bill Parker

John Grimes

Printed using FSC® mixed source certified fibre by Printgraphics Pty Ltd.

2 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Solar news and views

The Truth about Solar

Council’s novel Solar Saver program

The REC Agents Association has released a one-stop-shop Solar Facts portal, presenting information for the benefit of policy makers, journalists and “anyone passionate about solar”. “A number of spurious claims have been made about the solar industry, the Renewable Energy Target and the cost and contribution of solar, and it’s time to correct the record,” said RAA President Ric Brazzale. http://www.recagents.asn.au/solar-facts/

Darebin Council in Melbourne’s north has implemented an innovative Solar Saver program to deliver Solar PV to eligible pensioners for no up-front cost. Systems on offer are 1.5 kW and 2 kW and will reduce annual power bills by $360 to $1900. Installation costs which start at $2440 are reflected in rates bills over ten years. Darebin Council Environment Strategy Coordinator Gavin Mountjoy says “It’s a low-risk class asset model for a state owned solar bank investment.” The business model is believed to be an Australian first.

Meeting of minds: John Grimes and Senator Milne, leading political advocate for clean energy, met to discuss how the solar industry can build its power to win the policy environment it needs for growth.

CEFC targets older buildings for retrofits The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is providing up to $100 million in finance designated for commercial property upgrades. CEFC CEO Oliver Yates said an agreement with leading non-bank commercial loan manager Balmain Corporation extends the CEFC’s commitment to accelerate energy productivity and contribute to the sustainability of the commercial property sector.

“Up to 80 per cent of Australia’s commercial office buildings are at least a decade old. Retrofitting and improving existing buildings with modern energy efficient technology is one of the most cost-effective opportunities for improving their productivity, reducing energy and overhead costs and reducing carbon emissions,” Yates said. www.cleanenergyfinancecorp.com.au

An eye on the big picture: NHP Australian manufacturer and supplier of electrical components NHP has installed a 97.5 kW PV system on the main factory roof in Melbourne’s west. Anthony Devlin of Smarter Green who was instrumental in the installation explained the high-tech system features data analysis equipment and grid protection relays, an operating sustainability centre available for tours with a single axis tracking solar system, a small wind turbine, battery storage and backup power system solutions. “Also some innovative tracking systems developed for display purposes as well as other interesting and innovative equipment,” he said. 4 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Sustainable House Day

Diary note: Sunday 7 and Sunday 14 September. Sustainable House Day offers the public the opportunity to see sustainable design and practices firsthand as they tour some of Australia’s most environmentally progressive homes. Visitors gain inspiration and ideas about sustainable living in discussions with architects, builders and homeowners about the practicalities of solar and sustainable design and products. For more information: www.sustainablehouseday.com

Biowrap Want to know about the wrapping that your copy of Solar Progress is delivered in? Biowrap is 100 per cent degradable plastic made from a unique formula including an additive produced by EPI Environmental Technologies, which enhances the degradation process. No matter how Biowrap is disposed, the impact of the elements result in complete degradation of the plastic wrap in relatively short time. Hats off to mail house D&D for sustainable practice.

Smoulderin’ Revealed: cost to firefighting authorities in the 45-day blaze in the Hazelwood open cut coalmine: $32.5 million. Question: What would $32.5 million buy in renewables?

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Solar news and views

Powering ahead SMA Solar Technology and Ingenero have joined forces to accelerate Hybrid Energy Systems in Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia. The agreement has been signed with the express purpose of delivering product and systems solutions that will accelerate

the uptake of solar PV systems for integration into remote power grids dominated by diesel generators. “The hybrid energy system market has huge potential and SMA firmly believes that it will grow rapidly over the next five to ten years,” says SMA’s Mark Twidell.

Thumbs up to CoS The City of Sydney Renewable Energy Master Plan outlines how 100 per cent of the city’s electricity, heating and cooling can be supplied by renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and energy from waste by 2030. To meet its renewable energy targets, the City of Sydney is rolling out one of Australia’s largest building-mounted solar panel programs, installing solar panels at 30 sites including Town Halls, libraries, community centres, depots and other public facilities. To date solar hot water and/or PV systems have been installed at 18 sites. The City’s solar PV (renewable energy) tender is estimated to deliver 1.7 GWh per year when fully installed by 2016, representing 5.3 per cent of

current electricity demand, and 5.7 per cent of 2016 estimated electricity demand. http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/ sustainable-sydney-2030/sustainability/ carbon-reduction/renewable-energy The CoS is a major sponsor of the Vivid Festival, an event of light, music and ideas that is dedicated to being a low energy-use, carbon neutral event. An artwork project promoting the use of solar in the public domain was a spectacle at this year’s event. Ray, an interactive light sculpture with its own personality, is powered by innovative solar power methods. Ray tells the story of Pollinate Energy, an Australian social enterprise working to proliferate small-scale distributed solar power throughout India’s urban slums.

Australian to steer IEA solar heating program Australian sustainable energy expert Ken Guthrie has been elected Chair of the Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency’s Solar Heating and Cooling Program. Tapping into knowledge and expertise across 23 countries and regional organisations, the diverse research program aims to improve technologies and market deployment of solar technologies that provide heating, cooling and day-lighting for industry, agriculture, commerce and residential uses. Guthrie said his primary focus will be to maintain the delivery of information, and increase the deployment of cost-effective technologies and that “A new challenge is to provide new country members outside Europe, North America and Australia with useful projects that will deliver sustainable energy to meet their requirements for development.”

True blue

ASC Chapter meetings ASC Sydney Central Chapter - Convener Noel Barton In March Glen Morris addressed ‘The economics and technical challenges of adding an energy storage system to a home’. In April, Shannon Everley of Sungevity: ‘The future is so bright, you’d better wear your sunnies’. In May Mary Hendriks took the podium to present: ‘An overview of global energy storage options’. Recent Future Directions speakers include Ashwin Thomas, Fay (Mengfei) Jiao of UNSW and Daniel Zafir of Zenogen Pty Ltd. Upcoming presentations include Bosch, Granite Power, NEP Solar and the Climate Commission. 6 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

The industrious Sydney Chapter also presented a tabletop display at the UNSW Renewable Energy Symposium in mid April. ASC Adelaide Chapter – Convener Stewart Martin The Adelaide Chapter is coordinating the energy stream of Enviro 14 Conference “Pathways For Better Business” Waste, Water, Clean Air, Clean Energy taking place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Wednesday September 17 to Friday September 19. The conference will feature five renowned keynote speakers, a three-day program of experts and professional development workshops, and technical tours. Early bird registration closes Thursday July 31. www.enviroconvention.com.au

True Value Solar recently completed a 300 kW PV installation atop Lago Smallgoods in Melbourne’s north. The solar PV system which is reputedly the largest connected to the Jemena distribution network to date is each year expected to generate 400 MWh of solar electricity. In turn that will save more than 9380 tonnes of CO2-e over the life of the system The installation comprises 1112 x 270 W Seraphim mono-crystalline panels, 16 x 15 kW SMA Tripower Inverters and 2 x 10 kW SMA Tripower inverters.

Birds of a feather WIRE – Women in Renewable Energy – recently staged a meeting where guest speaker Dr Jenny Riesz explained that when studying for her PhD she learned how serious climate change was. “During a physics conference the speaker [a distinguished silver haired professor] kept putting up graph after graph of how we’re changing the face of our planet. I decided I wanted to work on solving this most complicated, and most important problem. What would 100 per cent renewables look like, and how would we make it work? How much would it cost? What are the risks and costs if we don’t do it?

Women in Renewables unite (L to R) Belinda, Louise, View, Amy, Jenny, Julia, Angela, Roseline, Naomi, and Wing Ki “Many of these questions lie at the intersection between engineering and economics and policy making,” she said. WIRE is a UNSW networking society that aims to support women participating in the industry. With a broad network of students, alumni and professionals, membership is free and open to all students and professionals. https://www.facebook.com/groups/491706817577966/

SMA recruit Equipped with knowledge of diesel power generation, the mining market and power generation related companies, Cameron Sharp has been appointed SMA Regional Sales Manager for WA and NT. His role is to expand SMA’s client base and developing market opportunities in hybrid energy systems in these regions. Previously Cameron was the WA Key Account Manager, Electrical Power Generation at Energy Power Systems (Caterpillar). His engineering career kicked off with a leading diesel engine manufacturer.

Power-One is now officially known as ABB This is more than a name change. With ABB’s global strength and Power-One’s proven inverter technology, ABB continues to provide the well-known Aurora product line. Si Clean Energy introduced Power-One to the Australian market back in 2006. We are excited to be able to continue supplying the industry with this comprehensive range of inverters. With the ABB brand we are looking forward to even more exciting times ahead.

Wholesale 1300 336 737 wholesale@sicleanenergy.com.au Service 1300 767 761 service@sicleanenergy.com.au

New phase for Enphase As part of its expansion of Asian Pacific operations, Enphase in April launched its Melbourne headquarters and appointed Nathan Dunn Managing Director, APAC to build scale into the business. He said “We’re entering a period of consolidation within the solar category in Australia and New Zealand, and I’m very much looking forward to implementing some aggressive and innovative go-to-market strategies that will help strengthen our position in this dynamic market.” Previous roles include managing director of GE Lighting Australia, and general manager, Mobile Communications for LG Electronics in Australia and New Zealand.

Specialists for all your solar needs www.sicleanenergy.com.au

RET Review

RET and rhetoric Supporters of the current Renewable Energy Target have economics, science and history on their side. But even when faced with irrefutable evidence that the RET is economically sustainable, that it lowers wholesale electricity prices for all customers, creates jobs, and unlocks massive private sector investment, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its opposition to renewable energy on ideological grounds.

In just weeks the RET Review Panel hands down its report to government, a report that will define the foreseeable future of the renewables sector, which is bracing itself for bad news. That is, anticipating an outcome based predominantly on ideology rather than facts. Apprehension is well founded: not least of which is the composition of the Review Panel which, notes Fiona O’Hehir of Greenbank Environmental, “contains not one renewable energy industry expert but is instead constituted of climate sceptics including the fossil fuel sector’s preferred economic modeler. Absent is the Climate Change Authority, the body legally obliged to carry out the ‘Real’ RET Review and which the Government is seeking to destroy.” Solar Energy Industry Association chair Brian England says that slashing or abolishing the RET is part of an overall aim to knee-cap the renewable energy industry, citing the “trail of destruction” that lies ahead for ARENA, CEFC, CCA and the carbon tax. “[Government intends] removing or reducing the RET to ensure that their mates in the coal and gas industry have less competition from renewables such as solar and wind,” he said.

Strength in numbers Independent agency Bloomberg New Energy Finance warns of soaring wholesale electricity costs and power bills if the RET is axed. Their detailed report found that by scrapping or reducing the RET between $12 billion to $21 billion of investment in clean energy would be shelved, and future jobs in the wind and solar industries slashed by 7000 to 11,000 every year. Meanwhile the big power companies would pocket $6 billion to $12 billion of extra revenue in the five years from 2015. Bloomberg analysis reveals that left untouched, the RET would drive $35 billion of investment in clean energy by 2020; employ 25,000 workers each year in construction and operations; reduce emissions from power generation by 5 per cent, and prevent future surges in power prices by supplying electricity for 20-25 years with no ongoing fuel costs.

“The Renewable Energy Target has already attracted $20 billion in new investment to Australia. A further $14.5 billion of investment in largescale projects will be generated out to 2020 if the scheme is left unchanged.”

Solar is a “sleeping giant” says the Green’s Adam Bandt

The RET lowers all electricity bills How does that work? Solar and other renewables put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices because the input cost (the sun and the wind) are free, so even during peak demand their production costs are low and fixed. This leads to lower electricity prices for all consumers, not just those with solar. Bloomberg validates this, saying the RET saves more money than it costs the community. Bloomberg modelling shows that every electricity customer would be better off in 2020 with a 2 per cent lower power bill, rising to a reduction of 6 per cent in 2030. While fossil fuel costs are variable (gas prices are set to triple in the next 10 years) an investment in renewable energy means buying future electricity at a fixed price. Around 25 years or more of electricity production with a free input. Little wonder that poll after poll shows that more than three in four Australians support renewables. And let’s not forget emissions: according to Clean Energy Regulator CEO David Green, scrapping the RET would add 34.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions into the atmosphere by 2020. The bleak reality is that in total Australian households will pay $510 million more for power in 2020 if the RET is dumped, and up to $1.4 billion more per year beyond 2020. Removing the RET will cost all electricity consumers more money than it saves. Repeating: Removing the Renewable Energy Target will cost all electricity consumers more money than it saves.

Solar scenario The ASC continues to reinforce solar energy’s positive contributions. It creates jobs and saves money; PV reduces power bills by an average 65 per > continues on page 10

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RET Review

“Poll after poll shows that more than threequarters of Australians support renewables.”

CER CEO Mark Williams

Mark Butler: RET will drive down electricity prices

Kobad Bhavnagri: Bloomberg New Energy Finance endorses the value of RET which lowers electricity prices and saves more than it costs > continued from page 8

cent, and puts downward pressure on electricity prices for everybody else. A happy equation given Australia boasts some of the best solar resources and solar scientists in the world. Why deny clean green potential. ASC CEO John Grimes asserts that “Confidence and policy stability are critical for ongoing investment in renewables. RET is the sole legislative instrument of support for the solar industry. If the green energy target is halved to a level of 20,000 GW then all support for solar panel installation will be abolished or phased out.” Grim news indeed.

The politics of solar For her part, Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne casts the RET Review as “a sham that should be dismissed, it will be a $4 billion hit and benefit big polluters and carbon emitters. The Greens will fight it through the Senate and we maintain that the Palmer United Party should abstain from the vote due to conflict of interest.” Consultant Wayne Smith notes the WA senate election highlighted the extent of popular support for solar energy. Senators Milne and Ludlam observed “The irony is that support for solar buys votes in electorates. Solar is popular and supported by the masses, everyone wants solar.“ “A policy success story” is how Shadow Environment Minister Mark Butler describes the RET, which since its introduction back in 2001 has enjoyed bi-partisan support. RET will in the long-term drive down electricity prices, drive up investment, create more jobs and reduce carbon pollution, he says. What’s not to like? Butler also expresses serious misgivings over the CCA’s exclusion from the RET Review, saying “rather, the review is centred on the PMs office and Mr Abbott is blind to the economic and environmental benefits of the RET.”

Whether or not to heed forecasts More than a few people have commented on the government’s RET Review Panel’s refusal to acknowledge man-made climate change Mark Butler cites the increased severity of heat waves, rising sea levels and ocean acidification, which scientists link to rising greenhouse gas levels and says the Abbott government has downplayed the risks from climate change. Also it has shown a disdain for scientific research, “regularly denigrating the work of scientists here in Australia and internationally around the area of climate change.”

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ANU’s Andrew Blakers asserts the RET Review should be conducted in the context of climate change. Noting that present day fossil fuel power generators will have reached the end of their useful lives before 2050, he says that, as required by the RET, installing around 1200 MW each of new solar and wind power each year would be sufficient to replace the entire existing fossil fuel electricity sector by 2050. Let natural attrition take its course, Blakers says. Avoid unnecessary spending. Leave the RET be and Australia is on track toward all-renewable electricity. SMA’s Mark Twidell concurs: ”Other countries are adopting solid renewable energy policies and Australia has [the] capability to continue to lead and benefit from this. Unless our politicians behave conscientiously Australia could see a loss of opportunities which would mean higher local costs to electricity consumers in the coming decades.”

Black to the future In submissions and hearings around the country, renewable energy experts are presenting a clear and rational case for retention of renewable energy targets. But will irrational decisions rule the day? For the time being, the RET Review continues to cast a cloud over industry confidence and as Greenbank’s O’Hehir states, “There is nothing worse for business than uncertainty.” The political rhetoric surrounding renewables makes Climate Change Authority Chair Bernie Fraser feel “Sick and disappointed … policymakers need to look beyond short term economic considerations in the interest of some of the big companies to longer term community interests,” he said. Hear hear. A closing thought: if energy production were, say, a family business, effort and investment would be pumped into nurturing the next generation’s abilities and energy. A structured succession plan allowing the elders a gracious exit. For the time being it seems we are not retiring the fossils.

References www.solar.org.au Submission to the RET Review Panel RAA report: http://www.recagents.asn.au/news/

CEFC’s Oliver Yates

CEC report: http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/policyadvocacy/renewable-energy-target/why-we-need-therenewable-energy-target.html#sthash.z236BNpu.dpuf www.bloomberg.com

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Solar advocacy

Greenbank’s solar go-getter One of the more vocal campaigners for clean energy and retention of the Renewable Energy Target is Greenbank Environmental’s Fiona O’Hehir, who says misinformation and uncertainty are recipes for widespread apprehension. Here she presents the back-story and paints a picture of Australia’s offbeat approach toward carbon emissions. SP: How did the industry take shape 6750 jobs are at risk in the clean energy sector following the RET’s introduction back in and once you factor in ancillary solar services that 2001? figure shoots up. Fiona O’Hehir: The then Department of Climate The government and the utilities have spread Change (DCC) did a good job of designing an misinformation. AEMO and AEMC failed to elegant solution, a RET scheme that provided anticipate the amount of clean energy entering the incentives for the emerging clean energy sector by grid, which has reduced consumption and forced enabling it to compete with coal and gas. The RET the wholesale price down by $6.70 per MWhour. mechanism recognises the concept of not having It was the traditional energy industry that all your eggs in one basket, in this case coal as the forecasted energy consumption: not the renewable primary source of energy. energy industry. As much as 40 per cent of the In 2003, two years after the RET was rise in energy bills can be attributed to distribution introduced, I was among the first to do the sums network costs. Historically the electricity companies Greenbank Environmental CEO Fiona O’Hehir on renewable energy certificates (RECs) and are owned by the states, which have adopted a has long been a staunch supporter of clean launched my business Greenbank Environmental “cash cow” mentality toward energy. energy but has stepped up the pace during the RET Review, extending her role to tireless to educate the solar industry about the target SP: Is industry doing enough to get the environmental campaigner. and in particular the need to create solar credits message across? for remote area power and grid connected Fiona O’Hehir: I have been taking every installations. opportunity to actively urge everyone to take a In the early days RECs were valid for just five years but I foresaw the stand, to contact their local and federal members, schools and clubs. We need for – and lobbied hard to gain acceptance for – 15 deeming, which need a groundswell of support to convince people we need to continue represented a large upfront cash injection hence financial incentive for with the 20-year plan that commenced in 2001. The RET information consumers. This naturally elevated interest in (renewable) solar energy. campaign must strengthen; it will all be over unless more people take The RET is not paid for by the government (i.e. taxpayers) and thus has action. On a more positive vein, people within the industry are now no budgetary impact. It is paid for by mainly electricity retailers who are more engaged; they have a better understanding of energy systems obliged to purchase 20 per cent of annual electrical from renewable energy and associated costs. Industry awareness campaigns have boosted the sources. They pass on costs to electricity customers so it’s a “user pays” knowledge. In the past we have flip flopped when under attack but this mechanism. time we are better coordinated. SP: You have been very vocal about the RET Review, is this the SP: What threats and opportunities lie ahead for Australia? biggest hurdle faced by the industry in recent times? Fiona O’Hehir: Our failure to put a price on carbon is negligent. If coal Fiona O’Hehir: It is actually the worst threat to renewable energy. is to avoid becoming a stranded asset, those companies and shareholders Uncertainty is a killer for business and the current market is very much must agree to pay for their right to emit pollution into our atmosphere. If overshadowed by the RET Review. The REC Agents Association estimates they don’t, we are likely to see more direct action away from fossil fuel (not just coal) investments by individuals and the financial sector. By contrast the UK commenced action on climate change in 1990 under the Non-Fossil Fiona O’Hehir and Greenbank Environmental Fuel Obligation, on which the Emissions Reduction Fund is based. The Fiona O’Hehir is a self-described “born conservationist” but domestic imperatives NFFO was broadly replaced by the ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificates) saw the electronics expert pursue an early career in technical sales until the late in 2002 because the NFFO was a “failed policy”. We appear to be making nineties, when she joined solar energy installer PSA. By the time she left the the same mistakes the UK made over 20 years ago! company in 2003 they had installed 13 MW of PV, much to her efforts. A solar go-getter, you might say. As for Australia, here we are doing battle just to retain the RET, the O’Hehir went on to establish Greenbank Environmental (GBE) in 2003. Eleven CEFC, ARENA and other instruments that are designed to nurture clean years on and it is Australia’s largest independent trader of renewable energy energy initiatives. It beggars belief that as a developed country we are also certificates and other environmental credits in Australia, with the creation of four million renewable energy credits and registration of 35,000 clean energy one of the most regressive. installations in homes around Australia. The Greenbank group trades with industry and Australian homeowners and has developed long-term relationships with governments, agencies, installers, utilities and financial institutions. Fiona O’Hehir is Vice-President of REC Agents Association and spent six years as an elected industry representative on the board of the Clean Energy Council. GBE has been a tower of strength in the ASC’s Save Solar Campaign.

12 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

“[The RET Review] is the worst threat to renewable energy … It will all be over unless people take action.”

Simplicity meets efficiency. Alexander G., product manager at Bosch Power Tec

For us it’s the details that make the difference. At Bosch we like to think: What would make your life easier? So our new BPT-S string inverters can be setup easily and fast with a unique RFID “e.Key” card and work with touchless gesture control for easy and reliable operation. The “hard facts” are convincing too: High efficiency rates, up to 4 MPP trackers, and an integrated data logger, just to name a few. Taking it further, we introduce the BPT-S 5 Hybrid. It combines high efficiency inverter technology and lithium-ion batteries to store the power generated by the solar system. That’s technology made by Bosch. Read more at bosch-power-tec.com or bosch-solar-storage.com

Big solar

It’s not rocket science (well actually it is…) Western Australia and other mining regions in Australia will see solar replacing diesel in the near future. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants, both transmission grid connected and off-grid, could be supplying mine sites with electricity at prices competitive with natural gas and well below diesel in the next few years. Bill Parker spoke to Daniel Thompson. The mining of ores in Australia depends on a supply of fuel to run power plants, sometimes in very remote regions. Diesel has to be trucked from coastal refineries over significant distances. The cost of diesel is rising, and some mine sites spend millions of dollars annually to maintain operations. This presents an opportunity for companies with technologies that use a free fuel source, such as the sun. One such company is SolarReserve, a US-based company that recently established an office in Perth, a strategically sound place to be because of the concentration of mining companies in WA. SolarReserve was initially established in 2007 by US Renewables Group in partnership with United Technologies Corporation (UTC). UTC's subsidiary Rocketdyne provided and guaranteed the performance of the major solar component hardware, and SolarReserve holds the exclusive worldwide license to develop concentrating solar power plants using this Rocketdyne technology. Rocketdyne developed the solar receiver for the US Department of Energy's Solar One and Solar Two projects, and has significant technology

14 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

“…supporting solar through programs such as the RET is in effect an indirect subsidy for the mining industry.” and operating expertise in extreme heat flux environments (rocket engines) and the use of molten salts.

Crescent Dunes

From a distance, the plant at Crescent Dunes looks much like any other power tower solar plant with the heliostat field focusing the sun’s energy to a receiver that sits atop a tower in the centre of the field. However, the receiver (which is essentially a heat exchanger) on the top of the tower is quite unique. The receiver actually consists of a series of vertical tubes on the exterior walls that are filled with circulating molten salt. The principle is similar in the design to that of a rocket engine cone, which is actually a curtain of tubes through which coolant passes allowing the cone to keep its shape without melting.

In September 2011, the US Department of Energy awarded a US$737 million loan guarantee to the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant, SolarReserve’s 110 MW concentrated solar power plant which uses a fully integrated energy storage technology that provides 10 hours of storage. The Crescent Dunes plant, located near Tonopah, Nevada, is expected to be in operation by the end of this year. Once operational, Crescent Dunes will supply NV Energy, the largest utility in the state, with electricity during its peak demand periods under a 25-year power purchase agreement. This particularly suits Las Vegas where peak energy demand grows from lunch–time to midnight, which is when Crescent Dunes is scheduled to deliver power. And beyond Nevada, SolarReserve has an additional 246 MW of large–scale PV farms in South Africa, two of which came online during May 2014, with the third scheduled for completion later this year.

Mercury rising

The 110 MW Solar Reserve Plant at Tonapah in Nevada

Daniel Thompson, a Director of Development for SolarReserve, leading the company’s activities

Molten salt is the working fluid that both captures and stores the sun’s energy. It’s pumped to the top of the tower into the receiver and is heated from 260°C to 565°C; higher than other similar looking power towers. The hot molten salt is then pumped back down the tower to the “hot” salt storage tank until electricity is needed. The high temperature molten salt is then used to create superheated steam, which powers a standard steam turbine, to generate electricity at maximum efficiency. The cooled molten salt is then recycled to a “cold” storage tank, ready to be pumped back up the tower to be reheated and start the cycle over again. The plant also conserves water by using an air-cooled condenser in a closed loop system, re-cycling the water post steam usage. The storage capacity at Crescent Dunes can generate electricity at full capacity for ten hours, even after nightfall.

Australian developments

Map of WA showing Iron ore mines (red circles with black dots) and gas pipelines. Map Courtesy

Geoscience Australia

in Nevada at prices well below diesel. With experience in plant construction and operation growing, the price of CSP will continue to decline.”

Headcount

in Australia, is based in Perth and he spoke to Solar Progress about the benefits of CSP for the mining industry in WA and other regions in Australia. A key element to success he said is the competitiveness of solar over diesel and gas, especially in remote areas. “CSP can stand on its own and requires no policy driven subsidy when it is in direct competition with diesel,” he said. However, the RET and other settings play a more significant role in situations where CSP is in competition with gas. “Taking a wider perspective, supporting solar through programs such as the RET is in effect an indirect subsidy for the mining industry. A reduced RET would

make the CSP case against gas less attractive for the mining industry”. Daniel Thompson, with a background in wind farm project development in WA, encountered a few surprises when he took on his present role. “There are some key misconceptions that exist around CSP that have become apparent from our meetings across the country. One of them is that a lot of people are unaware that CSP with storage can offer base-load power 24/7,” he said. “Another is that these plants are well beyond the concept phase and projects like the Crescent Dunes and others will be producing reliable, dispatchable electricity

The wider social benefits of remote area plants are part of the story, particularly in construction of the plants. The Crescent Dunes plant, for example, has created over 4300 direct, indirect and induced jobs across the supply chain, with up to 1000 people on site during peak construction activities. And for a plant of this size, more than 40 full time employees are required as permanent staff. Outback communities would enjoy the same benefit. One size will not fit all, and SolarReserve is offering a number of plant configurations, in both on-grid and off-grid applications, to meet each individual mine’s needs. Crescent Dunes at 110 MW has a full circle field with 10,347 heliostats, but smaller (<50 MW) plants can be built with half circle of heliostats and a half size receiver. This latter arrangement aligns with some typical mine site generation units in WA and Queensland. And what staff does SolarReserve employ in WA? Readers of Solar Progress will be pleased to learn that Rebecca Dunn, a solar engineer with a history of study and R&D work at the ANU has been appointed as Senior Project Engineer. A proud moment for both Rebecca and her mentor and teacher, Keith Lovegrove. Further Information www.solarreserve.com

RIGHT DECISION AND YOU CAN ENJOY 20 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE SMA’s individual service solutions secure your investment in a solar system. More details at www.SMA-Australia.com.au or call 1800 SMA AUS

Solar Progress | 15

“Many progressive, big picture clean energy projects generate significant, far reaching consequences … the outcomes of which will benefit generations to come”

Installation of concentrating solar panels at CS Energy Kogan Creek Solar Boost project to produce electricity INSET: ARENA’s Ivor Frischknecht: commercial feasibility behind project development 16 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Battle for ARENA Established in July 2012 with a ten-year budget mapped out, ARENA’s raison d’etre is to drive renewable energy projects. Despite the agency’s aweinspiring line up of projects, the federal government has confirmed its intent to relegate clean energy and clean air to the back burner. The solar energy industry has few better allies than the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, whose mission is succinctly put: “To improve competitiveness of renewable energy technology, and increase the supply of renewable energy.” It’s a nice, concise, clear mission statement. Equally clear – but in this instance foreboding – is the federal government’s mission to pull the rug from under the nation’s preeminent driver of renewable energy developments. Broadcast during the May 2014 federal budget, the federal government intends to repeal the Australian Renewable Energy Act 2011 and embed the agency’s activities in the Department of Industry, while returning funding of $1.3 billion to “consolidated revenue”. The one skerrick of good news is that ARENA will continue to accept and assess applications until such a time as the Act is repealed. Further, as explained by ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht during Solar 2014, the slashing of ARENA’s budget does not affect the 181 projects agreed upon and valued at around one billion dollars. Frischknecht took the opportunity to emphasise ARENA’s commitment to investment in renewable energy projects, support R&D activities, and heighten awareness of renewable energy, and its “unique role spanning laboratory research to trials and demonstrations before commercialisation, underpinned by a mandate to drive commercially feasible developments”. “Programs are driven by purpose and benefit,” he said, highlighting a good example in the Plasmonics project to develop high efficiency solar cells. ARENA has committed $1.6 million to the $5.8 million project. The big numbers are accompanied by big benefits; the nano-scale particles that boost light absorption via a small antenna, accompanied by inline inspection tools for PV manufacturing to reduce energy wastage, will over time save manufacturers $2 billion. Just one of many big picture cost benefits arising from an agenda driven by commercial imperatives. Here we take a look at some of the other ground-breaking developments supported by ARENA that will reshape and reposition energy supplies in the years ahead.

PhD Scholarship recipient Natalie Holmes develops new water-based nanoparticulate materials for printable organic photovoltaics

Project: Two AGL PV plants in NSW Between them the two PV power stations will on completion boast generation capacity of up to 155 MW, and benefits will flow from increased knowledge in construction and operation of large-scale, grid-connected solar power stations. EPC contractor First Solar is building the power stations using thin film PV technology; the University of Queensland (UQ) will test tracking technologies and performance, energy storage, and operational strategies; and UNSW will develop new energy modelling techniques to assist in the design and integration of solar power stations into the electricity grid. ARENA is funding $166,700,000 of this project valued at $440,000,000.

Project: Printing solar cells – manufacturing proposal Scope: Developing new materials and solar cell designs with enhanced performance, which significantly improve the efficiency and durability of Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) which have emerged as a dynamic new technology that promises a low-cost way of mass-producing solar cells through the use of commercial printing processes. How so? Information gained from the consortium’s comprehensive printing program will be used in a feedback loop to identify the properties of optimal materials that can guide the design and development of high performance materials. ARENA is investing $1,760,000 in this project which carries a price tag of $7,200,000. Fascinated? So are we. Stay tuned for an in-depth feature on this remarkable project.

Project: Pilot-scale plant for the production of solar anti-reflection coatings The construction and operation of a pilot-scale manufacturing facility for an innovative anti-reflection (AR) coating on solar panels will boost the amount of energy converted by the panels from sunlight (by trapping more light). The production process involves a solution containing silicon dioxide being placed on the glass and, after being chemically transformed to a solid at room temperature, forming an ultra-thin layer of porous glass that reduces reflection by 75%. Opened in January 2014, the Darra production facility will be capable of coating both small and large components such as lenses and protective glass cover plates for solar panels with a maximum output of 350,000 units each year. ARENA is ploughing $1,300,000 into this $4,800,000 project.

Project: Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System (ASEFS) This two-year project will deliver the first phase of an Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System to the Australian Energy Market Operator. Solar generating capacity in the National Electricity Market is rapidly expanding and reaching a stage where proper forecasting will be needed to allow expansion to continue. Accurate supply and demand forecast models are necessary to increase commercial viability and ensure stability of the electricity grid. Outcomes will enable the enhanced integration of solar energy generation at all scales into the national grid, allowing operators of larger systems to participate in the market. ARENA has pledged $3,100,000 of this $7,600,000 project.

Project: Australia’s first renewable powered mine and township In mid May ARENA announced funding for phase one of a solar PV project which will provide 1.7 MW off-grid power to Weipa’s bauxite mine, township and port in far north Queensland. The $23.4 million collaborative project (which includes $3.5 million from ARENA) will demonstrate the potential for renewable energy to provide reliable and competitively priced power to remote mining operations.

Let’s Save ARENA “These are just some of the many progressive, big picture clean energy projects generating significant, far reaching consequences … the outcomes of which will benefit generations to come,” said Australian Solar Council CEO John Grimes. “But the federal government wants to apply the brakes and unless ARENA is saved these and other sorts of advances in renewables will be wiped from the drawing board.” Repeal of the Act will indeed be averted should just three of the eight cross bench Senators block the vote to scrap ARENA. The Solar Council is urging all Senators to vote against the proposed abolition of ARENA, and those who care about solar research and development and early stage commercialisation to contact their Federal Member of Parliament or Senator. “ARENA plays a vital role in solar energy and we will be working hard to ensure the agency continues to operate for a long time to come,” Grimes said.

Assessing value For its part, ARENA has engaged Deloitte Access Economics to conduct surveys to demonstrate the value of renewable energy industries to the Australian economy. The purpose is to estimate this contribution through the collection of information from renewable energy industry association members. Editor’s note: Following the May federal budget the PM stated words to the effect that the country should not rob the children of the future to pay for economic imbalances created today – hence the severity of cut backs. No reference was made to robbing future generations of clean air.

Solar Progress | 17

R&D

High efficiency back contact solar cells Earlier this year Professor Andrew Blakers relayed news of a significant improvement in IBC cell efficiency, which will enable more power to be generated from a given area of rooftop solar module. Here he tells us that ANU is keen to drive further improvements in cell efficiencies while testing the boundaries of silicon cells. The market price of photovoltaic modules is now below one dollar per Watt. This is likely to further decline over the next decade. The cost of mounting PV modules in a large groundmounted solar farm is also likely to decline as methods are refined, but at a slower rate. These costs are called area-related balance of systems costs (BOS-area), and include equipment transport, land preparation, fencing, mounting frames, erection of the frames, and mounting and interconnection of the modules. Relatively mature methods and materials are utilised with less room for further innovation. Similarly, interconnection of the system to the grid is relatively mature technology. BOS-power costs include inverters, transformers, control gear and transmission wires to a suitable interconnection point. These costs depend primarily on the peak power production of a solar farm. There is plenty of

“Modules comprising 25% efficient solar cells mounted on trackers will deliver up to double the annual energy per square metre of module compared with conventional fixed modules composed of 17% efficient solar cells.”

18 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

room for improvement, but not as much as for modules.

Following the sun

ANU and Trina Solar’s new high-efficiency Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) solar cell

An established method of reducing both area and power related BOS costs is sun tracking. Single axis tracking is now being used in many large installations, and delivers 15-20% more energy per year for a given PV power rating compared with modules fixed at the latitude angle. Systems in places with a higher direct/ indirect insolation ratio have larger gains. Two axis tracking systems deliver a further 10-15% gain in annual energy production. Although the additional costs of single axis tracking are generally outweighed by additional energy collection, this is not yet true for two axis tracking. However, over the next decade two axis tracking may become important as costs decline. An important benefit of sun tracking is that PV system output is much more uniform over the course of each day than with fixed systems. This helps PV systems to meet not just the daytime load, but also the morning and evening peak loads, and thereby makes PV electricity more valuable. Combined wind and tracking PV systems have relatively good matching with electricity loads in many places, which allows higher penetration and less storage.

than conventional modules (for equivalent $/ Watt pricing), and so the higher annual energy delivery from tracking effectively amortises the cost of the tracking system. Furthermore, the temperature sensitivity of highly efficient solar cells is considerably lower than for conventional solar cells, which further improves annual energy yield. Modules comprising 25% efficient solar cells mounted on trackers will deliver up to double the annual energy per square metre of module compared with conventional fixed modules composed of 17% efficient solar cells. Here is one means whereby BOS-area costs can be moderated. Furthermore, the 15-35% increase in annual energy yield per kW (kWh/ kW) from tracking produces a corresponding reduction in BOS-power costs, as well as producing a more valuable, more uniform and less peaked daily electrical output. My conclusion is that a substantial fraction of ground mounted solar farms will comprise highly efficient modules mounted on sun trackers. How will the efficient solar cells in these modules be produced?

Optimising energy yield

Top performers

Highly efficient PV modules make better use of tracking systems. The reason is that such modules are more expensive per square metre

The best solar cells today approach 45% efficiency. They have a tandem design, incorporating three or four different materials

with different bandgaps to efficiently harvest the whole solar spectrum, and are designed to operate under high concentration (100-1000 suns). They use III-V materials such as GaAs, very sophisticated growth methods, and are far too costly for non-concentrator applications. PV concentrators have not been able to match the overall cost of ordinary non-concentrator systems so far, and so deployment of such cells is presently limited to specialist applications. Silicon solar cells dominate world PV markets because of their high and stable efficiencies, unlimited raw material supply, low toxicity and the advantage of incumbency in terms of R&D, skilled people and highly functional supply chains. The theoretical maximum efficiency of silicon solar cells is about 29%. The best silicon cell made to date is 25.6% efficient, which is far above the best cell made with any other “cheap” material. The practical efficiency could be boosted into the mid-thirties by adding in front of the silicon a solar cell made from a material with a higher bandgap to harvest more of the solar spectrum. This additional cell would need to be quite efficient (since it absorbs much of the solar power), and have a similar cost per unit area to silicon. Unfortunately, there is no suitable material at present. Thus the current focus for high efficiency non-concentrator modules is highly efficient silicon solar cells, in the range 24-26%.

Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells Most commercial solar cells have the negative and positive metal electrodes on the front and rear surface respectively. Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells have both the positive and negative contacts on the rear surface, which avoids shading of the front surface by metal contacts. Additionally, the metal contacts can be thick and spread out on the rear surface, allowing for low resistance losses. IBC cells [1-4] and HIT solar cells [5,6], are the leading solar cell designs for highly efficient commercial cells, and considerable attention is being paid to the technology by a number of research institutes and companies [8-10].

A milestone in solar cell research: the improved IBC cell efficiency of 24.4% marks the highest efficiency for a Back Contact Silicon Solar Cell. Further laboratory advances and commercialisation will drive greater solar efficiency

To maximise the efficiency of a solar cell we must maximise the amount of light coupled into and absorbed within the cell; minimise recombination of sun-generated electrons and holes; and minimise resistance losses. Maximising electron-hole pair generation requires excellent front surface texture, antireflection coating and rear surface metallic reflector. Silicon wafers of superb quality are available in commercial quantities, which minimises recombination within the bulk of the wafer. This leaves surface imperfections as a large loss mechanism – some of the electrons and holes created by sunlight can recombine at these imperfections instead of being collected into the external circuit. Surface coatings have been developed that “passivate” surfaces. Passivation coatings for the front surface must be superbly transparent and have good antireflection properties as well.

Advances driven by ANU in collaboration with Trina and ARENA ANU developed IBC cells during a two-year project funded by the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore and Trina, and work continues with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics. The best cell achieved to date at ANU is a lab cell with an efficiency of 24.4% (independently measured at CalLab). In parallel, Trina is developing a commercial IBC cell, as are several other manufacturers. The cooperation between ANU and Trina has substantial benefits for both parties. The leading company in the IBC space is SunPower, which has been producing excellent modules for many years. Every year their commercial cell efficiencies creep up, and they are now in the 22-24% range. In April this year Panasonic announced a 25.6% efficient IBC cell

“Silicon technology has an amazing ability to ‘re-invent’ itself – whenever it looks like running out of steam, something new seems to come along.”

with an area of 144 cm2, and with HIT surface passivation (based upon amorphous silicon) – exceeding the 25.0% efficiency record previously held by the University of NSW group for many years [7]. Many companies and groups have now made cells in the 24%+ efficiency range, which is encouraging for the emergence of 25-26% efficient cells in commercial production. Future work at ANU will focus on pushing our cell efficiencies into the 25% range, and improving our understanding of what the practical limits of silicon cells are. Additionally, we are exploring non-concentrating silicon tandem cell options, including the possible use of perovskites top cells. Silicon technology has an amazing ability to “re-invent” itself – whenever it looks like running out of steam, something new seems to come along. Professor Andrew Blakers is Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the ANU Research School of Engineering.

References [1] R.M. Swanson et al., “Point-contact silicon solar cells, IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices,” 31:661–664 (1984). [2] P.J. Verlinden et al., “Backside-contact silicon solar cells with improved efficiency for the `96 world solar challenge,” 14th EPVSC, Barcelona, pp. 96–99 (1997). [3] P. Cousins et al., “Generation 3: Improved performance at lower cost,” 25th EUPVSEC, Valencia, 2010. [4] K.C. Fong et al., “Optimisation of N+ diffusion and contact size of IBC solar cells,” 28th EU PVSEC, Paris, pp. 851–854, 2013. [5] M. Taguchi et al., “24.7% Record Efficiency HIT Solar Cell on Thin Silicon Wafer,” IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, Vol 4:1 pp. 96-99, 2014. [6] Y. Tsunomaru al., “Twenty-two percent efficiency HIT Solar Cell,” Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Vol. 93:6, pp. 670-673, 2009. [7] M. Green, “The path to 25% silicon solar cell efficiency: History of silicon cell evolution,” Progress in Photovoltaics, Vol. 17:3, pp 183-189, 2009. [8] C. Reichel et al., “Back-contacted back-junction n-type silicon solar cells featuring an insulating thin film for decoupling charge carrier collection and metallization geometry,” Progress in Photovoltaics, 21:1063-1076, 2013. [9] R. Peibst et al., “High-efficiency RISE IBC solar cells: influence of rear side passivation on pn junction meander recombination,” 28th EU PVSEC, Paris, 2013. [10] B. O’Silluvan et al., “Process Simplification for High Efficiency, Small area IBC silicon solar cells,” 28th EU PVSEC, Paris, 2013.

Solar Progress | 19

Solar 2014

Solar

on Show

Solar 2014 will be remembered as a show that recognised and celebrated soaring achievements and innovation. Thousands descended on the MEC to take in the latest and the greatest in advances and witness first-hand the latest technology on offer. Despite the dark shadow cast by the policies of the day the mood of Solar 2014 was generally upbeat and industrious.

Attracting more than 3200 attendees to the two-day event, Solar 2014 presented a multi-faceted program of presentations and exhibitions. More than 150 presentations were delivered through the Scientific & Research, Policy, and Professional Development streams enabling delegates to learn about highly sophisticated scientific advances, gain an update on the legislative scene or get to grips with the nuts and bolts of PV installations. If that wasn’t enough, delegates could sign up for the Energy Storage conference taking place in the adjacent conference rooms for a glimpse of the future. Here we present a snapshot of the flavour of the conference, which many remarked was overshadowed by the spectre of the RET Review. Solar go-getter Fiona O’Hehir of Greenbank Environmental’s key message was the market uncertainty created by the review, “a killer for business” she says. The avid campaigner is a strong supporter of the ASC’s Save Solar campaign, which industry consultant Wayne Smith commented was winning ground given the show of support for solar in the electorate during the WA senate election. Referencing ASC’s political acumen in that campaign Deputy Greens leader Adam Bandt said solutions are political, solar was a

“... the market trending toward commercial and residential solar energy, with 16 GW in cumulative net additions by 2030” 20 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

key and a successful election issue. “The politics of solar are a winner and the Greens want to see the solar industry grow, solar is a sleeping giant.” At the same time Bandt noted the lost opportunities for solar – “cloudy Germany [still] leads in PV” – and the downturn in confidence which started early in the new government’s term. “A diminished CSIRO and ARENA will impact on renewables as will the closure of the CEFC which is key for green developments,” he said. Echoing the thoughts of many Bandt commented that today’s greatest threat is the climate change deniers and fossil fuel proponents’ approach toward renewable energy targets. The government’s Direct Action plan is yet to be fine-tuned but in any event “Government has stripped the renewable energy sector of certainty,” Bandt said. Echoing his words was Shadow Environment Minister Mark Butler who harked back to the Rudd term which lent itself to investor confidence and a job surge in renewable energy triggered by demand for rooftop solar. He too lamented the uncertainty in Australia’s clean energy market and downhill slide in investment in renewables, globally slipping from number four to eight, with many large-scale plans stalled or mothballed.

RE drivers in the firing line Despite a budget slash from $3.2 billion down to $2.5 billion and the uncertainty facing the future of ARENA, CEO Ivor Frischknecht sported a broad and confident smile during Solar 2014 and repeated the agency’s > continues on page 22

Glen Morris during one of his three presentations

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Solar 2014

> continued from page 20

commercial mandate. Sub-text: economically and financially responsible program of development. (Read more about ARENA on pages 16 and 17.) For his part CEFC CEO Oliver Yates outlined his role in mobilising capital in the clean energy sector. Mindful of data confirming that solar energy leads to cost reductions between 400 per cent to 600 per cent, the CEFC apportions a significant 40 per cent of funding to solar energy (wind stands at about 4 per cent). Restating market uncertainty was Clean Energy Regulator CEO Mark Williams. In its role administering the RET, carbon pricing mechanism, National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, and Carbon Farming Initiative, CER modeling strikes for equilibrium with an end goal of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In the current political climate, the agency’s future also remains uncertain.

Powering ahead ACT Environment Minister Simon Corbell is recognised as a man of vision and action, helping usher in the targeted 90 per cent renewable energy by 2020 under the territory’s forward-thinking climate change mitigation strategy. Soon to be completed is Australia’s largest solar project, the 20 MW Royalla plant, but micro moves are also on the radar, Corbell explained: “Energy switches in buildings is the fastest way to meet our objectives.” Many delegates remarked on the reassuring findings of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Kobad Bhavnagri revealed a market trending toward commercial and residential solar energy, with 16 GW in cumulative net additions by 2030 by which time renewable energy will represent a healthy 49 per cent of the market. At the same time, grid demand will remain stagnant but significant levels of coal production will continue and emissions remain a problem. In other trends, the electric vehicle market continues to grow, powered by storage developments and lithium-ion batteries. Bloomberg endorses the value of RET which lowers electricity prices and saves more than it costs. Back to the dark shadow. Shaking his head, one conference delegate lamented “right now, all roads lead to the RET Review. It’s hard to focus on much else.” Doug Fletcher of Solari Energy was a lone voice in the

Rede Ogden (left) with Solari’s Doug Fletcher and Paul Scerri (right) throng, suggesting the industry contemplate a future without government assistance. No solar energy conference would be complete without Mark Diesendorf ‘s softly put, hard hitting message: the watertight case for 100 per cent renewable energy. The renewables resources visionary has checked the science and maths, and written and spoken volumes over the decades. Let history be the judge of Diesendorf’s vision.

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time” and “Everybody loves solar”. ASC President Steve Blume

Depth and diversity on show

Conference delegates were treated to a glimpse of the future now being shaped through scientific advances. Insights into just some of the many cutting-edge solar developments were presented within Solar 2014’s Scientific and Research streams: Concentrating thermal, thermal electric, buildings, PV and solar power. A buzz of industrious activity surrounds the “quiet achiever” scientific community whose research projects will shape the nature of energy supplies during and beyond the millennium. Delegates tuning into the scientific presentations gained a glimpse of unlimited potential. Turning now to the grass roots of the industry, where solar energy is delivered to the community, we visit the Installer and Professional Development session program which was assembled by solar energy stalwarts Stephen Ingroulle and Brian England. Between them the duo oversaw no fewer than 34 presentations spanning understanding of n-type > continues on page 38

Ric Brazzale of GET has collated valuable industry data

22 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Along with Stephen Ingroulle, Brian England (pictured) stage-managed the PD stream

ASC advocacy

ASC CEO: A month in the life of a solar campaigner The solar energy industry is not only big business but also one of the fastest moving industry sectors. Keeping on top of all developments is ASC CEO John Grimes who divides his time between conferences, lobbying, addressing the media and in a range of industry meetings. Always with the interests – and future – of the wider solar community in mind.

With a political agenda intent on reshaping the renewable energy landscape, much is at stake, not least of which is industry confidence. The greater the level of industry representation to get the key messages across the better, and ASC has been at the forefront of solar campaigns. In recent weeks – months in reality – ASC CEO John Grimes has been engaged in a series of meetings with politicians, bureaucrats and government agencies. Followed by more meeting with politicians, bureaucrats and agencies. Here in words and pictures we present some of John Grimes’ recent meetings and activities and tireless Save Solar campaign to retain the RET and maintain industry momentum. As follows: multiple meetings with government members and Ministers offices including Senators, minor parties and the cross-benchers.

John Grimes (left) and The Hon. Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water

John Grimes and Shadow Minister for Resources - The Hon. Gary Gray AO MP John Grimes also met with the Clean Energy Regulator and Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Solar 2014 in Melbourne: The highlight of the ASC’s annual agenda is its industry

Conference and Expo. Attracting more than 3200 delegates and 70+ exhibitors, this year’s proved the largest and most popular to date. And in an industry first the ASC co-hosted the Energy Storage conference. (See full story on pages 20, 22.) During the conference the ASC launched the Positive Quality Program (see pages 44-45). The week following Solar 2014 John Grimes flew north to attend the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA) meeting in Shanghai. The ASC is a founding member of this organisation which fosters PV developments in the region. In other notable events John Grimes was a keynote speaker at a Global Leaders’ Forum at China’s largest solar photovoltaic industry conference and exhibition … “an extraordinary event occupying 180,000 square metres of exhibition space, attracting tens of thousands of delegates”.

Line-up of delegates at a recent APVIA meeting leaders from global entities Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Daewoo Heavy Industries and S-Energy.

Terra firma Back in Australia John arranged and chaired a meeting between representatives of the solar PV industry and the Renewable Energy Target Review Committee in Sydney, also • Arranged and chaired a meeting between representatives of the Solar Hot Water industry and the Renewable Energy Target Review Committee in Brisbane. • Provided a submission on behalf of the solar industry in Australia to the Renewable Energy Target Review Committee (see www.solar.org.au for details), and • Convened first meeting of the Solar Hot Water Chapter.

Tireless media campaigner

ASC President Steve Blume (right) is presented with APVIA Certificate in recognition of ASC’s contributions to solar energy in Australia A plane trip east then took John Grimes to Global Green Hub Korea 2014, where he met with Korean government officials and company

Media campaigns in relation to the RET Review and the budget continue to dominate much of the ASC’s agenda. On behalf of the solar energy industry John Grimes has appeared on TV (ABC’s Lateline and other programs), presented the case for solar on radio, and contributed to various industry publications. The consistent message is that the RET is of critical importance to Australia’s economic future: “We cannot afford to muck around with it.” ASC also responded to the Federal Budget, declaring it “a trifecta of broken promises to the solar industry”, which included the scrapping of ARENA and the one million solar roofs program.

Solar Progress | 23

Australia’s Solar Installations DARWIN

Bradshaw 402 kW

over 100 kW

Lajamanu 288 kW

Alpurrulam 226 kW

Port Hedland Airport 120 kW

Marble Bar 304 kW Hamerslet Iron 151 kW

Carnavon Solar Farm 1 120 kW

Newman Airport 120 kW

ALICE SPRINGS

Nullagine 203 kW

Carnavon Solar Farm II 290 kW

Uterne 969 kW Araluen Arts Centre 162 kW Airport (1) 308 kW Airport (2) 235 kW Crowne Plaza (1) 305 kW Crowne Plaza (2) 304 kW Desert Knowledge Australia 170 kW

Yuendumu 240 kW

PERTH SOLAR CITY

Ti Tree 364 kW

Hermannsburg 192 kW Kings Canyon 225 kW

ALICE SPRINGS SOLAR CITY

Ernaballa 350 kW

Kalbarri tracking solar plant 20 kW Australia’s ﬁrst solar farm 1995

Geraldton 100kW

Doo 2

Kalkarindji 402 kW

Greenough River Solar Farm 10 MW Wilpena Pound 100 kW

Perth Arena 111 kW

Adelaide Showgrounds 1 1 MW

Perth Zoo 146 kW

Ade Adelaide Airport Showgr Wa 114 kW 449

MELBOURNE METRO AREA Queen Victoria Market 200 kW Monash University,Clayton 153 kW Monash University, Berwick 114 kW ANZ HQ, Collins St 138 kW NextDC, Pt Melbourne 400 kW DA-V Solar Panel, Dandenong 195 kW NHP Laverton 97.5 kW Lago Smallgoods 300 kW Toyota Plant, Altona 500 kW

Visit www.solar.org.au to download your free copy of this map.

ADELA SOLAR C

Ballarat Solar Park 330 kW Bendigo So 300 k Solar Photovoltaics

Solar Thermal

Solar City

Under Construction

Disclaimer: This map is intended as a guide only to notable solar plants/installations in Australia. Developments are constant and the publisher accepts no responsibility for any unintended inaccuracies. We welcome 24 | ISSUE 2 • 2014 informed comment as the map will be updated on a regular basis for Solar Progress.

State-by-State

Photovoltaic Generation installed capacity and annual energy generated

omadgee 264 kW

NSW 653.7 MW 906,284 MWh QLD 1042.2 MW 1,443,518 MWh VIC 554.6 MW 666,743 MWh SA 493 MW 697,759 MWh WA 364.7 MW 508,305 MWh TAS 62.0 MW 73,501 MWh ACT 39.8 MW 55,026 MWh NT 15.1 MW 23,753 MWh Estimated total installed PV capacity across Australia 3423.8 MW

GBRMPA Reef HQ Magnetic Island 1 MW Aquarium MAGNETIC 153 kW ISLAND Townsville SOLAR CITY RSL Stadium 348 kW

X Strata, Mt Isa 155 kW

Data courtesy Australian PV Institute (APVI) Solar Map, funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, accessed from pv-map.apvi.org.au on 1 June 2014.

Windorah

Fraser Coast Community

130 kW

401 kW

Hervey Bay Hospital 266 kW

Kogan Creek CLFR 44 MW University of Qld (Gatton) 172 kW

Dandiiri Contact Centre 1 284 kW Dandiiri Contact Centre Phase 2 400 kW BRISBANE Metricon Stadium Gold Coast 200 kW

Moree Solar Farm Liddell II Rigby House 150 MW CLFR 136 kW Liddell I CLFR Broken 9 MW 1.4 MW Hill elaide Sandvik Nyngan CSIRO Newcastle 53MW rounds 2 Mining 102 MW 0.5 MW ayville 132 kW 9 kW Lake Cargellico CSIRO Newcastle Mildura Council Bldgs 102 kW Singleton 3MW 150 MW (Parkes) 400 kW 250 kW Barham Solar ASC ofﬁces Farm 1 MW Bridgewater Howlong Solar (ACT) BLACKTOWN AIDE Plant 140 kW SOLAR CITY CITY Solar Systems 140 kW Capital East CENTRAL VIC Solar Farm SOLAR CITY Bungendore 200 kW

olar Park kW

Total large scale PV 52.5 MW

MORELAND SOLAR CITY King Island 110 kW

200 Collins St Hobart 106 kW

Greenway Flair Cabinets Investments Wodonga Wodonga 1MW 100kW

BRISBANE METRO AREA Qld University of Technology 202 kW University of Qld (St.Lucia Campus) 1.2 MW

SYDNEY METRO AREA

Newington Athletes Village 110 kW Olympic Boulevard 109 kW Olympic Boulevard (2) 150 kW Murray Rose Ave Homebush 125 kW Sydney Superdome 70 kW Sydney Theatre Co. 384 kW Johnson and Johnson 200 kW Johnson and Johnson Nth Ryde 197 kW Kogarah 161 kW Rigby House, Coffs Harbour 136 kW Blacktown RSL 100 kW Coca-Cola Amatil, Eastern Creek 110 kW Cadbury Schweppes, Huntingwood 100 kW Rydalmere 100 kW Western Sydney Spiess 100 kW Lyon Park (North Ryde) 100 kW

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Kamberra Winery, Canberra 146 kW Royalla, Canberra 20 MW Hume (under construction) 13 MW

Solar Progress | 25

Industry comment

World leader in renewables: WA’s untapped potential Here’s an interesting concept: What if we could turn Western Australia into in solar installations out to 2020, and become one of the world leaders in a world leader for the introduction of renewables? solar installation rates – at least as a percentage of total generation. It has, after all, some of the best ingredients. As the WA Renewable Energy Alliance noted in a recent submission to the government’s RET Opportunities aplenty Review panel, it enjoys the best renewable resources in Australia. Opportunities abound – thanks to the state’s fantastic solar resources “We enjoy the best solar radiation levels near grids and load; we have – for large scale PV, solar thermal and storage, and rooftop and groundhighly predictable wind resource that provides up to a 50% capacity factor; mounted distributed solar. good biomass from plantation timber forests; among the strongest wave The incumbents, typically, are not having a bar of it. A survey by and tidal resource in Australia; and excellent Reneweconomy.com.au of the attitude of the prospects for solar thermal and geothermal.” “[WA] has one of the most incumbent electricity retailers – not to mention the According to WAREA, the state also has a stand-alone fossil fuel generators – revealed an unsustainable grids in the outright hostility to the renewable energy target, and remote and isolated electricity system that cannot rely on other jurisdictions in times of peak demand. western world, one that particularly solar. WA also has an energy hungry resources industry, The big three retailers – Origin Energy, AGL Energy, relies on a state subsidy which is still largely reliant on diesel, and many and EnergyAustralia, all want the large scale renewable of $500 million to deflect rural and remote communities in which the cost of energy target to be reduced, and the small scale target the cost of supplying fuel supply and generation is extraordinarily high. removed altogether. And, it might have added, it has one of the Origin Energy, for instance, wants the total target cut centralised fossil fuels to most unsustainable grids in the western world, one from 41,000 GWh (plus uncapped rooftop solar), to residential customers.” that relies on a state subsidy of $500 million to 23,000 GWh (including rooftop solar). deflect the cost of supplying centralised fossil fuels That would mean cutting the planned construction to residential customers. of wind farms from 3,800 MW to 1,500 MW, and the anticipated Already, more than $1 billion of mostly private sector money has been deployment of solar PV from 7,000 MW to 3,000 MW. invested in large-scale renewable projects, resulting in almost 500 MW of generation, and a further $1.5 billion of potential projects is under Retailer reckonings development or in planning. AGL Energy, once the greenest of Australia’s biggest retailers, has The largest generator comes from households, which have installed 350 changed its priorities since taking advantage of knock down prices to MW of rooftop solar. In all about 9% of generation in the state’s main grid buy the Loy yang A brown coal generator in Victoria (Australia’s largest is renewable. emitter), and seeking to buy the 4.6 GW Macquarie black coal generators “Under the RET, renewable energy in WA has the ability to deliver in NSW. thousands of additional megawatts of clean electricity, to attract AGL now says that the large scale target of 41,000 GWh will be investment, to increase energy security, to hedge consumers against impossible to meet – a claim rejected by renewable developers and big conventional fuel prices, to reduce emissions, and to create thousands of international equipment providers such as GE and Vestas – although it does much-needed jobs as the resources industry sheds them,” their submission not say by how much the target should be diluted. reads. AGL Energy, however, does call for the removal of the rooftop solar “We could lead Australia – and the world.” component of the RET. “Household solar PV now no longer requires Indeed, as this graph shows, WA could experience a seven-fold increase subsidies to be an attractive proposition for households.” EnergyAustralia, owned by Hong Kong-listed CLP Group, agrees with the 2500 other big retailers in saying that the large-scale renewable energy target of SWIS Additonal generation capacity (MW) required to meet current RET target. 41,000 GWh is “virtually impossible” to meet. (Assuming 100% from single technology type) 2000 Like AGL Energy, it argues that retaining the RET policy is therefore Wind (assumed 40% capacity factor) “unsustainable” and wants the target scaled back, but not scrapped. (None Solar (assumed 20% capacity factor) 1500 Biomass (assumed 75% capacity factor) of the retailers want this as it would harm the value of the renewable energy projects they have already invested in.) It says Australia is already 1000 between 17 and 19 per cent renewables and maintaining current target would deliver nearly 30 per cent. 500 So EnergyAustralia argues for a “real” 20 per cent target for 2020. It Source: WAREA, SKM MMA “Modelling the Renewable Energy Target Report for the does not specify what this means, but its earlier numbers suggest not much 0 Climate Change Authority” December 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 built between now and 2020, although it says the adjusted target should

26 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Powershop, owned by New Zealand renewable energy giant Meridian Energy, is the only retailer to unequivocally support the RET as is, saying it has helped to reduce “Opportunities abound costs for consumers, and acts as a hedge against – thanks to the state’s rising gas prices and a fantastic solar resources potential future energy – for large scale PV, solar crisis. Powershop says it thermal and storage, is “simply untrue” to and rooftop and groundsuggest the 41,000 GWh mounted distributed solar.” target cannot be met by 2020. It does not favour recombining large and small-scale schemes, but says it does not have sufficient expertise to comment on level of rooftop solar incentives.

… and opposer The strongest opposition comes from Alinta Energy, which has brown coal generators in South Australia, gas plants in WA, and retail operations in South Australia and Victoria. Alinta wants the renewable energy target to be brought to an immediate halt, with no new generation – wind farms or rooftop solar – receiving any further subsidy. “No new renewable energy should be supported under the RET and all new renewable energy projects, whether small or large scale, should be required to compete in the market without subsidy,” it writes, possibly forgetful that most fossil fuel generation in the country was built with

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be “front loaded” to soak up excess certificates. It differs from other major retailers in calling for the small-scale component, which includes rooftop solar, to be “capped and phased out” over a responsible time frame, rather than dumped or absorbed into the large-scale scheme. Even the smaller retailers are surprisingly hostile. Red Energy, owned by Snowy Hydro, agrees the fixed 41,000 GWh target should become a “real” 20 per cent target, which is similar to Origin Energy’s position. It is fearful that combining the large scale and small scale targets could lead to household solar, and commercial solar, “crowding out” large scale investments. Momentum Energy, owned by Hydro Tasmania, says the current 41,000 GWh target for large scale renewable is technically feasible, but concedes it could be argued to extend the target. But it also wants the end date pushed out beyond 2030, and future targets for 2030 and 2040 that could only consider increases in the target, rather than decreases. Momentum says the large and small scale targets should not be combined, it opposes banding, and suggests incentives for rooftop solar such as the deeming measure (upfront payments) could be phased down more rapidly than currently legislated.

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Giles Parkinson ponders the possibility of WA evolving into a cleaner, greener world leader.

government assistance and finance, and many are already running beyond their expected life cycles. Alinta’s consternation is understandable. Where WA could be a world leader in solar, South Australia already is a leader in incorporating variable renewables such as wind and solar.

SA: renewables trailblazer The completion of the $450 million Snowtown 2 wind project will add 270 MW of capacity to the state’s grid, and take the total share of renewables to around 40 per cent – probably the highest in the developed world. Right now, that means there is little base-load coal-fired capacity operating in the state given the mothballing and seasonal closure of its two brown coal generators, owned by Alinta. Only one of the Northern Power station’s generating units is operating during winter. The addition of Snowtown – which will operate at a capacity factor of around 42 per cent – will take total wind capacity in the state to more than 1,500 MW and total output of wind energy to more than 4,400 GWh. This is equivalent to 34-35 per cent of the state’s electricity demand, and rooftop solar accounts for another 5-6 per cent. South Australia has one of the highest penetrations of rooftop solar PV, with nearly 550 MW of rooftop systems installed over the past few years, giving it a penetration rate of more than 22 per cent. Contrary to doomsday’s, it has helped reduce the state’s wholesale power prices, and lower emissions dramatically. And, of course, it has attracted billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs.

The WA market But back to WA. One of the loudest arguments for the RET to be diluted or removed has been that no incumbent generator should be forced out of the market. The WAREA says it is clear that the effects of the RET are disruptive to conventional power generation, and that it has introduced “financial challenges to entities that would very much like to continue driving profit from assets that have long since paid their owners back.” But it says: “This is not an acceptable justification for compromising an entire industry and halting an inevitable transition to a cleaner electricity sector in Australia. The power industry should welcome competition, and governments should encourage competition from distributed generation and from renewable energy generators.” Among the projects ready to go in WA are 500+ MW of multiple wind projects, 40 MW biomass project (plantation waste fuelled), an 18 MW waste to energy project, a 30 MW solar PV project in the Mid West Region, a 20 MW solar PV project, also in the Mid West Region, and a 30 MW solar PV project in the Perth region. In addition, there are hundreds of MW of renewable energy projects in the earlier stages of development on the SWIS. “If the RET were to be reduced, all these investments would effectively be worthless, raising sovereign risk issues.” Giles Parkinson is founding editor of Renew Economy www.reneweconomy.com.au

neweconomy Tracking the next industrial revolution

Solar Progress | 27

Energy facts and stats

Number crunching Power profits

$5.4 billion $9 billion Poles and wires push up prices

$45 billion

t he amount spent in the past five years by utilities on poles and wires

2.4%

re-tax operating profit of p electricity industry pre-2009

re-tax operating profit of electricity p industry 2010/2011

f all in electricity demand each year since 2009

25% of annual profits of coal-fired power stations generated during just 36 hours of peak demand

Breakdown of average household power bills:

51% network costs 20% customer service/marketing 20% the actual cost of energy 9% carbon price

Source: Federal Treasury

110% 58%

the rise in power prices in the past five years the amount due to network costs in new power price rises

Interesting facts

Solar popular and saves money

64%

65% $44

f Australians thought the Renewable o Energy Target was either at the right level or should be higher. Essential Poll February 2013 t he amount the average size solar system cuts an average power bill mount saved each year by all electricity a customers in 2020 if the RET remains

$142 amount saved each year by all electricity customers in 2030 if the RET remains

28 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

$2.9 billion 10%

mount of private capital leveraged a in 2013 by CEFC investment of $536m

t he percentage of disposable income spent on energy bills to be defined ‘energy poverty’

2,000,000

t he number of households in Australia with solar PV or SHWS. (Australian population at June 6, 2014 = 23,514, 500.)

60% by 2035 – G ermany’s renewable energy target Between 980 and 1200 kWh per sq metre – solar radiation in Germany

Between 1450 and 2900 kWh per sq metre – solar radiation in Australia

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Solar hot water

Heating water, not as simple as it used to be Glen Morris explains the credentials of evacuated tubes which equipped with double glass walled vacuum tubes optimise radiation and heat transfer and provide a constant flow of hot water.

Energy used for heating water in a domestic home typically consumes 30-50 per cent of the total energy footprint. Historically this was primarily from a resistive element in a tank. A 2.4 kW or 3.6 kW element would be supplied with energy usually at a lower “off peak” rate in the middle of the night, heating enough water to supply the house’s needs for the following 24 hours. With rising electricity prices and a move away from dedicated “off peak” supplies, this simple but effective system became an expensive way to heat water. On a clear sky day the sun pumps out over 1000 W per square metre and most of this energy is thermal. Flat plate solar collectors are a simple and very efficient (<75%) way to capture and convert this energy into hot water. Flat plate systems can be extremely simple and use natural thermosiphoning to circulate the water from the collector up to the storage tank. A more sophisticated “active” system may involve a circulating pump thus allowing the tank to be located below the collectors. In frost prone areas active systems can protect the

“Hot PV™ may well be the next ‘big thing’ for the solar industry. Electrically heating water in Australia is currently a three billion dollar market that only the electricity retailers have access to.”

Evacuated tubes on a rooftop harnessing sun’s radiation panels from freezing by circulating hot water from the tank. However, one of the main drawbacks of flat plate systems is that they can be “too” efficient in summer and may need to dump excess hot water and conversely in winter their performance drops markedly when ambient temperatures are low.

The merits of evacuated tubes The “new kid” on the solar hot water block are evacuated tubes. These use double glass walled vacuum tubes to capture the Sun’s radiation and convert nearly all the spectrum into heat then transfer it to the main body of water in the storage tank. Even though their absorber peak efficiency is lower than flat plate (45-55% - src:wiki) they have a much better low temperature performance and tend not

to suffer from overheating in summer (if sized correctly). Some solar water heaters don’t even need to be in the sun – enter hot water heat pumps! These devices use the same principle that your reverse cycle air conditioner uses to heat water instead of air. Heap pumps take low-grade heat from the environment and use a small amount of electricity (800-1000 W compressor) to convert this to high-grade heat that is transferred to the body of water in the storage tank. Energy efficiencies vary with the season and can be as low as a simple resistive element when outside temperatures drop to below 5-7 degrees expressed as a coefficient of performance (COP) = 1. However, as air temperature rises the COP rises to 3 or beyond. Some of the new CO2 heat pumps are averaging a COP of 5 or more! This means that for every kWh of heat they transfer to the tank they use 0.2 kWh of electrical energy. > continues on page 32

30 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

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A heat pump replacing several resistive element tanks (behind) Heat pumps are a great choice for installations that don’t have easy access to free solar energy falling on the roof or need a guaranteed source of heat whatever the weather conditions. All domestic water heating systems in Australia must meet the appropriate Standard that ensures that a portion of the tank is heated to at least 60 degrees once every 24 hours. This is to prevent the possibility of Legionella bacteria growing in the tank. Solar only water heaters need some form of guaranteed boosting that will meet this requirement even when the weather is cold and wet.

Hot PV vs thermal systems Hot PV™ is a radical alternative to using thermal systems to heat water. Hot PV™ works by using photovoltaic solar panels to provide DC electricity to the power conditioning unit (PCU), this converts DC to variable voltage AC and via a smart controller, directly heats the existing element in a traditional electric hot water service. Once the sun has gone down the unit can then switch the element back to grid power in case the target temperature hasn’t been achieved. Even though PV modules are only at best about 20 per cent efficient at converting solar energy to electricity they have many advantages over solar thermal systems: • Installed cost for installations with an existing electric hot water tank are about 50% cheaper than solar thermal • PV efficiencies increase as ambient temperatures decrease • Hot PV™ is very simple to install, no pipes or plumbing work • No requirement for approval from electricity supply authorities as Hot PV™ doesn’t inject power into the AC grid (they only provide variable AC power to the storage tank’s element) • Energy is accurately metered by the PCU so can be sold as a service by a third party • Installations can be done by an accredited solar installer since almost all of the system is substantially the same as a conventional solar PV systems Hot PV™ may well be the next “big thing” for the solar industry. Electrically heating water in Australia is currently a three billion dollar market that only the electricity retailers have access to – Hot PV™ competes directly with them for one of the most valuable loads on the grid (a 3.6 kW controlled load). Glen Morris of SolarQuip is a specialist in solar technology and renewable energy solutions, www.solarquip.com.au

Philanthropic ventures

It’s time to RE-energise the Pacific For the past seven years the Its Time Foundation has been changing the face of energy and education at schools across the Pacific. Having set the foundation, founder Rob Edwards now feels it’s time to extend the reach and benefits by tapping into some bigger picture donors.

For many people a trip to Fiji ends when the plane touches down on home tarmac, but Rob Edwards is different; he went, he saw the schools, the diesel powered community, and on return to Wollongong established Its Time Foundation. In short, his 2007 holiday to the tropical paradise was just the start of one long journey. As Rob Edwards told Solar Progress, “Diesel generators are costly to run and they erode educational resources, many schools were limited to a couple of hours power each week. One tutor faced a 26 kilometre round walk just to recharge his laptop. Not the best setting for a decent education.” In recent years, Its Time has been instrumental in effecting life changes for remote Pacific Island schools with the duel objectives of reducing carbon emissions and boosting school budgets hence educational opportunities, which lies at the heart of the project. Rob Edwards quotes UN peacekeeper and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kofi Annan who declares: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.” Powerful words, and thanks to a string of generous solar suppliers, individual and corporate donors and all in between, material benefits are flowing. Over the past seven years Edwards has overseen seven solar energy installations in Fiji, and five smaller installations in the Solomon Islands. Storage is key, he says. “The further you draw down batteries each day the shorter their life, one goal is to minimise the depth of draw each day, removing tube lighting and replacing it with LED lighting significantly lowers the load by as much as five to eight per cent daily,” he said.

34 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Rob Edwards (centre) and grateful children at Kioa Island School

Donor generosity Edwards is first to acknowledge the vital support of solar industry players, among them SMA, Q-Cells, Clenergy, Silex, and Powerstack battery packs. “I targeted these companies because I had identified their products as the highest quality available. SMA sets the benchmark in inverters, particularly in remote applications,” Edward said. “In my conversations with SMA, Clenergy and Q cells they got it straight away. These companies provide lots of value – SMA have given inverters or supplied at discounted rates. Q cells also – gave 10 kW of panels. And Clenergy has never sent an invoice for mounting systems. “That means we are spending the donor dollar two times over.” Forging alliances is key to the success of It’s Time, he told Solar Progress. Some individuals have funded projects, games or major events have been staged, raffles run, piggy banks rattled at cafes and stores, and Edwards contributes proceeds from his “day job” presenting addresses in health and well being and goal setting. (Professional speaking engagements: www.Robedwards.co) “Fundamental to these collaborative ventures is the authenticity of what we are doing – it is a great story that brings together climate change and environment and education,” Edwards said. SMA CEO Mark Twidell concurs, stating that was why his company has got behind the philanthropic mission. “SMA has supported Rob with his first two projects and we intend to do so with future projects. More than 1.3 billion people around the world still live without electricity. Under the motto ‘Helping others to help themselves,’ SMA intends to aid these people in gaining access to sustainable and inexpensive power supply.”

“We have a much bigger picture in mind, the grand goal is to install solar systems in all of the island schools in the region.”

‘More Education - Less carbon emissions’ is the tagline of the Its Time Foundation. The students of Wainimakutu High and Primary School are some of the many beneficiaries across Fiji

Re-energised communities A snapshot of four of the seven solar energy beneficiaries across Fiji: • Wainimakutu High and Primary School 140 students. System components: 20 x 235W Q Cells solar panels, SB5000 and SI8.0H SMA Inverters, four x SB1802 1350Ah PowerStack battery banks, Clenergy Solar Terrace II ground mountings. Also: replacement of 2900 watts of lighting with 550 watts of LED globes and tubes. • Lavena School: 12 x 235-Watt Q CELLS solar panels, SB3000 and SI6.0H SMA Inverters, a Clenergy roof mounting system and four SB1802 1350Ah PowerStack battery banks. • Kioa Island Primary, whose 106 students benefit from a 1400W solar system: eight Silex panels, six Powerstack batteries, two SMA inverters supported by high wind resistant Clenergy mounting systems. A system that saves 60 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the life of the system. • Navatu High School, North Eastern Fijian Islands, 220 students: A 2700W solar system (16 Silex panels, two x 1350 Ah Powerstack battery banks, two SMA inverters, high wind resistant Clenergy mounting systems. Over two decades, the solar system will slash 80 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Result. Demand for diesel (used to power generators) and kerosene (lamps) has been slashed.

Benefits Edwards reports that communities are spending far less on costly diesel. “Instead they are buying computers, printers and copiers; educational resources have been boosted by around twenty per cent. Far less carbon dioxide is entering the atmosphere, and there is reduced need for kerosene lanterns which presented health and fire risks.”

Tough times The amount of progress is impressive however Edwards revealed that fund raising is increasingly challenging and is “without doubt our biggest hurdle. It’s been a very tough climate since the GFC.” Following the late June completion of two more PV installations in Fiji, Edwards and fellow Its Time board members Sean Gordon and Peter Bickerton will take time out to reassess the Its Time model in a bid to raise the stakes by involving larger scale players.

Leap of faith “Our hope is that we can engage some serious philanthropists and develop an ability to convert six schools at a time. We have a much bigger picture in mind; the grand goal is to install solar systems in all of the island schools in the region,” Edwards said. It seems fitting to conclude with another Annan quote: “On climate change, we often don’t fully appreciate that it is a problem. We think it is a problem waiting to happen.” More information http://www.iitime.org/home.html https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Its-Time-Foundation/184994311574222 Rob Edwards: 0413 734 916 or 02 8003 4143, Rob.e@iitime.org

Navatu High School children appreciate the benefits of solar energy

Solar Progress | 35

Storage progress

Remote Energy Management for Solar Diesel Hybrids LC Energy has been researching the opportunity to reduce diesel usage through the development of remote energy management for solar diesel hybrid systems. Here Paul Riley outlines technical advances in battery technology and remote control.

“SoNick batteries are certainly looking like the favourable chemistry for robust off-grid energy storage while LiFePO has a distinct elegance and reduced complexity.”

Smart monitoring This is a common mantra and these aims are sought by every serious provider of renewable solutions. LC Energy seeks to take our solutions to the next degree. This can be achieved by introducing ‘smart monitoring’ that provides a remote viewpoint and the opportunity to interact with the energy system from a ‘control tower’ position. Off-grid remote management will be a key provision of next generation diesel hybrid systems. The issues with stand-alone genset power generation are widely understood. They are sized to handle the worst-case peak load. This means that most generators will run most of their time at low load – typically below 25%. The costs effects of this can be seen in the following two graphs:

36 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

3.5

3.0

Fuel use (l/h)

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

100%

120%

% Load for 8kW Genset

Figure 1 – Fuel use increase vs load $1.00 $0.90 $0.80

Diesel cost ($/kWh)

Off-grid power on a commercial scale is typically delivered 24/7 by diesel generators. These are energy hungry beasts! However, there is rarely a cheaper alternative for off-grid power provision. Fuel costs for diesel systems are high and until recent times, unavoidable. A definite change is in the air as renewable energy storage systems are becoming less complex to install and in most cases can now provide cheaper power when utilised in hybrid systems. The three keys components for improving efficiency are: diesel + battery + solar PV. Under an AusIndustry CTIP award, LC Energy has been researching the opportunity to reduce diesel usage through the development of remote energy management for solar diesel hybrid systems, and is constraining this research to meet the demands 4 of its many mining clients. The goals that must be met are simple, concise and twofold: Reduce costs; and don’t complicate operations. There are two additional ‘nice-to-haves’ that assist in providing a compelling solution: Providing a good environmental message, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So, in providing solar diesel hybrid solutions to energy intensive industries, the mandate is simple: Reduce energy, costs and emissions.

$0.70 $0.60 $0.50 $0.40 $0.30 $0.20 $0.10 $-

20%

40%

60%

80%

% Load for 8kW Genset

Figure 2 – Diesel cost vs load The result of inefficient loading of a genset is a large cost differential. Significant gains can be made by running the genset at high loads. Fuel efficiency more than doubles and refuelling and servicing is less frequent. In simple terms, the solar diesel hybrid makes use of batteries which are charged by the genset at high load. Once charged, the battery storage provides power for periods when the load on the system is low and the genset can be switched off. In a well-designed hybrid system, the savings in fuel, refuelling and servicing costs easily justify the additional costs of batteries. The addition of solar PV provides ‘icing on the cake’ as a supply of relatively cheap power for loads and charging during daylight hours.

Figure 3 – Simple components of a hybrid system

A key to providing solutions to remote sites is off-grid management. The hybrid systems must be capable of delivering data for off-site monitoring, performance reporting and escalation of issues. The off-grid management needs to be able to provide information on: • Diesel performance • Battery performance • Renewables performance (solar, wind etc) • Engine servicing needs • Battery maintenance • Renewables forecasts – weather, and • Fault finding in a complex system

hybrid solutions including an excellent tolerance for operations at high temperatures (the internal core is maintained at 265°C). These batteries also have an on-board Battery Management System (BMS) that can deliver all the critical parameters to an externally monitored network. Typically SoNick batteries deliver the same power as lead-acid banks for around 1/10th the mass and a 1/5th of the volume.

“A key to providing solutions to remote sites is off-grid management.”

Remote control Of course, site expectations will be very simple: “When do we need to re-fuel?” This question, and other related servicing queries can be addressed through appropriate hardware and well-designed software tools. LC Energy is pulling together the complex matrix from which remote strategies can be derived. A ‘black box’ product that centralises all the parameters and responses will be the result of this research program. Capturing data for remote response is common throughout many industries. Most complex systems, such as railway networks, banking systems and air traffic control, have highly sophisticated remote monitoring resources. The research at LC Energy is targeting remote control communications that delivers smart off-grid monitoring to provide data on fuel consumption, power generation, fuel levels, run hours and system performance while also delivering configurable warnings and responses. LC Energy has commissioned a demountable building (courtesy of Panelfab) and a shipping container which provide the ideal platform for off-grid research. Solar PV (8 kW) provides DC power generation for two inverters on a common AC bus that feed to an inverter/charger which in turn controls load in the building and battery charging. An 8kVA genset delivers power to maintain the battery system above a set minimum State Of Charge (SOC) and additional load on demand. This is ideal for high load situations or cloudy days when the solar PV cannot maintain the batteries within a set SOC window.

Figure 4 – LC’s demountable building and container for off-grid research One emphasis of the research is to focus on various battery chemistries. The system was initially commissioned using traditional VRLA lead-acid batteries. The battery bank consists of 24 x 2V 600Ah batteries with a C120 rating of 22 kWh. For longevity the SOC needs to be kept at 50% or greater. These batteries have no ‘smarts’ and are simply monitored by the inverter/charger for SOC and voltage levels. Such lead-acid solutions are the mainstay of the energy storage business but they are large, heavy and not well suited for operations at high temperature. Remote management of such batteries is not practical and apart from the overall measurements of SOC, voltage and temperature, there is little data that can be obtained at an individual cell level. The next stage of research has seen the lead-acid bank replaced with a single FIAMM SoNick 48TL200 (molten Sodium Nickel Chloride) battery. This is a 10 kWh battery that provides useful power storage down to 20% SOC. There are some clear advantages of the SoNick technology for remote

Figure 5 – FIAMM SoNick battery Currently under test is the latest battery system from SONY which is a Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LiFePO4) system. This was installed as 4 x 1.2 kWh units with a controller and the system can be expanded to 16 units totalling 19.2 kWh of storage. In theory these batteries can maintain their SOC for over 12 months and can also be fully discharged during operations without detrimental effect.

“This research program is beginning to deliver useful data through the various logging systems being tested.” Figure 6 – SONY LiFePO4 battery system Each battery system has its merits. Lead-acids are a proven technology and well understood. They have a price advantage but only on the initial capital cost. Longevity and monitoring issues make it the poorer choice for remote off-grid solutions. SoNick batteries are certainly looking like the favourable chemistry for robust off-grid energy storage while LiFePO4 has a distinct elegance and reduced complexity. The real answers will come as systems are deployed in the field.

Figure 7 – Battery matrix Remote monitoring is the real goal that LC Energy is chasing and this research program is beginning to deliver useful data through the various logging systems being tested. There is a real challenge to produce software controls packaged as an industrial solution to fully encompass diesel hybridisation and provide the economies and efficiency increases we know are achievable. For more information: www.lcenergy.com.au

Solar Progress | 37

Solar 2014 Solar Citizens stand united > continued from page 22

silicon modules; solar PV cash flows and profit impacts, solar ventilation, accreditation, SSR compliance and beyond. The stamina award goes to Glen Morris who prepared and presented three technical addresses.

Energy Storage: serious progress In an industry first, an Energy Storage conference was staged in tandem with Solar 2014. Conveniently situated in adjacent halls, the program dedicated to grid and off-grid storage featured a top line up of speakers and presentations highlighting progression in this crucial sector. Among the 30 high-level presentations: Bosch, Vulcan, SMA, SolarReserve and LC Energy, each with an eye on the main game. As consultant Nigel Morris states: “Storage is the next big game changer … as early as next year we could see storage options that make economic sense … it is actually going to happen quicker than everyone thought.” Meanwhile Adam Bandt predicts “Battery (storage) will do for solar what micro chips did to IT, storage will radically transform industry for the better.”

Show of faith Solar 2014 was a solar smorgasbord that offered something for everyone. As one conference goer commented, the contrast between developments in the forestry sector and the solar industry which leaps ahead at an astonishing pace, is immense. Each day brings a new record, news of a new plant, a breakthrough that pushes boundaries, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner future. Each day also brings the solar community closer

to the outcome of the RET Review and the consequences which are yet to be played out. What is known is that solar energy remains the energy of choice for the majority, in particular those in rural areas of those with lower incomes, wishing to hedge their bets against rising power prices. And it is largely thanks to the efforts of the ASC, RAA, SEIA, the Greens, ARENA, CEFC, CER, CCA and the Climate Council, that energy consumers of today are much better informed and enlightened. Which in turn reflects on demand for solar energy solutions. Despite being overshadowed by the slash and burn politics of the day, PV installers, technicians, manufacturers, scientists, clean energy agencies, storage specialists have the bigger solar picture in mind. And unlike the politicians of today, most will be around tomorrow to continue their good work.

THE

LINKED SOLAR ISOLATOR The “Linked Solar Isolator” is the complete solution for a long-term rooftop isolator. With a stainless steel cover incorporating a mounting bracket and prewired with Multi Contact MC4 connectors it provides for a fast and safe plug and play installation. Available in a variety of options including DC single string, DC twin string and AC or as a cover only contact Linked Group Services today to discuss you needs.

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Solar products services

SOLAR PROGRESS ADVERTISERS’ SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

New inverter from Si Clean Energy Solar finance is much more than an interest rate The first question I am typically asked is “What is your interest rate?” Although the interest rate is an important part of a finance package, when crafting solutions for solar and renewable energy projects selecting the right financial product to support the financial needs of the business installing solar is just as important. Here are two examples of how finance was used to meet the needs of a customer.

A Fruit Grower This Riverland business has been trading well and is producing significant profits resulting in a potentially very large tax liability for the current year. All indications are they will have another good year in 2014/15. They were tempted to just pay cash to install solar. I pointed out that with the slow rate of depreciation allowed by the tax office, a short–term rental was probably a better idea and would generate significant tax benefits. I recommended he rent the system for two years and pay annually in advance. By doing this the $85,000 solar array, after taking all tax benefits into account, would only require a cash outlay of $57,811 over ten years while paying cash up front would cost $65,681 over the same period. More importantly, as rural production can be very uncertain, this preserved cash for the 2015/16 year when the El-Niño weather pattern looks likely to put pressure on the business.

Earth Moving and Rural Production This business successfully applied for $130,000 in finance to install solar. They made the decision, on the day of installation, to pay cash out of their business reserves rather than proceed with finance. A few weeks after installation a significant new business opportunity emerged which could have generated a lot of revenue that required access to cash so they were unable to take advantage of it. Fortunately we were able to retrospectively provide finance and return the cash to the business. It was too late for this opportunity but they are now prepared when the next one comes along. Investing in solar or other renewable products will reduce a business’s costs. It will, however, never move earth, grow fruit, cook pizzas or manufacture a product. These are the things a business needs cash for to quickly manoeuvre to grow their revenue. Using finance to reduce the cost of doing business is a vital part of maintaining the flexibility of a business’s working capital. At ASM Money we listen and craft finance solutions to meet the goals of the business. With solar we have the experience, expertise and financial products to create a product to suit your client’s needs. Call Greg on 0419 235 000, ASM Money Pty Ltd, (03) 6248 8347, admin@asmmoney.com.au, www.asmmoney.com.au

Si Clean Energy has announced its latest inverter partnership with Solis Australasia Pty Ltd. This partnership will allow Si Clean Energy to deliver the latest in solar inverter technology including a leading edge Maximum Power Point algorithm known as “Incremental Conductance”. Solis is a Spanish influenced brand name that has been derived from the Latin “sol” meaning “sun”. The Solis 2G inverter family has the benefit of more than a decade of technical development and evolution. The resulting flexibility, performance and reliability produce exceptional energy yields and ongoing customer satisfaction that is essential in a demanding market such as Australia. The Solis 2G inverter technology originates from their success in designing and manufacturing extremely robust wind generation power electronics. This is an even more demanding technical challenge than PV in which Maximum Power Point tracking must occur with extreme speed and precision. Success with wind inverters, where durability and reliability cannot be compromised, naturally flows to success with solar inverters, and as such, these qualities are evident throughout all Solis products. Solis inverters exceed an EU efficiency of 96% under normal operating conditions and all Solis inverters have been designed and rated IP65 to withstand harsh outdoor applications. Solis inverters meet or exceed all AS/NZ 4777 requirements and are included on the CEC approved listing. Si Clean Energy’s confidence with Solis inverters is a perfect match with their core vision of Quality Products, Quality Engineering and Quality Service. Inverters are the most important component of a PV system, requiring particular care when choosing brand and model to suit the customer’s requirements. Si Clean Energy is passionate about its products and maintains an in-house performance testing program to ensure performance, durability and reliability. Solis inverters exceed expectations in all areas and we are confident they will exceed yours too. Through many years of inverter sales and service Si Clean Energy knows exactly what is inside the boxes it sells and is always willing to share its extensive knowledge. This way, Si Clean Energy can help you make product choices based on a complete technical understanding, which in turn can assist your business in achieving increased sales and lower operating costs. With in-depth product knowledge and expertise, the goal at Si Clean Energy is to provide only the best quality and highest reliability products. For further information contact Si Clean Energy’s wholesale division on 1300 336 737 or visit www.sicleanenergy.com.au

Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the Australian Solar Council 40 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Fronius: How solar energy can support the grid Australia has uniquely diverse grids. While certain city networks provide over a million people with electricity, in some rural areas the situation is the opposite. In these networks, vast distances, change of power generation lag and voltage rises have presented potential problems that require new solutions. The big challenge for the network is to keep production and consumption balanced; in particular the energy demand curve. Once solar storage becomes economically feasible, in an effort to flatten the energy demand curve, it is expected policy will encourage storage of solar energy during the day which could then be used during peak consumption hours in the evening and night. In the meantime network challenges can be solved with new requirements for advanced functionality of standard grid connected systems. The current inverter standard for Australia (AS 4777) is approaching its 10-year anniversary. Much needed updates in many areas of the document are currently underway. At present there are few requirements for inverters in terms of grid support. The new standard will take into account many functions that have been adopted in Europe. These include Grid Frequency Dependent Power Reduction, Grid Voltage Dependent Power Reduction and Power Rate Limiting. Some European manufactured inverters, like the new range from Fronius, are already equipped with several functions for improving grid stabilisation and remote control. Two possible solutions for current grid issues are limiting the exported amount of energy of a PV system and for inverters to communicate with Smart Grids. Limiting export: In rural areas the network and grids may limit the amount of energy solar consumers can feed in due to concerns of voltage rise issues or the PV penetration ratio of the transformer. Hence consumers are often limited in the size of their PV system. Network operators must include in network impact calculations that a PV system could export 100% of its production. Using a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dynamic power reductionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; function, the inverter permits larger systems while limiting the export power to a fixed feed-in limit. This approach can allow larger systems until energy storage becomes economically feasible. Smart grids: The more comprehensive approach is the Smart Grid. As the number of decentralised energy generators rises, so too does the need for an intelligent power grid. In the future, generators will communicate with both consumers and the grid to ensure a stable grid supply. Grid operators in the future will also be imposing new requirements on local generators such as photovoltaic systems. Advanced grid features prevent grid faults and unexpected failures leading to yield losses. In line with new guidelines for energy fed into the grid, these features can be

Future Smart Grid with harmonious communication between centralised and decentralised generation/consumption

activated at any time. An inverter has to be able to control reactive power in order to modify the grid voltage. In case of an overvoltage in the grid a lagging of reactive power can decrease the voltage and therefore prevent the inverter to trip (go offline) ensuring maximum yield for the consumer and stabilising the grid for the utilities. The new line of Fronius inverters can communicate with both utilities and the grid. With these capabilities, utilities can reduce the active or reactive power feed-in based on local grid voltage, frequency or they can be set such that no feed-in occurs at all. AGFs in all new Fronius inverters make them Smart Grid Ready. For more information on the Fronius range of Smart Grid Ready inverters email: pv-sales-australia@fronius.com or visit www.fronius.com.au

Control Function of Fronius Advanced Grid Features for Reactive (Q) and Effective (P) power control as a function of grid voltage

Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the Australian Solar Council Solar Progress | 41

Solar products services

SOLAR PROGRESS ADVERTISERS’ SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Focus on R&D is key to Yingli Solar’s success Don’t let the DC Isolator become the weak link With a number of well-known brands of DC Isolators now the subject of a recall, it is essential that you protect your system and reputation by specifying DC Isolators with a trouble-free track record. There are now currently 4 brands of DC Isolators that are the subjects of recall, and others that are currently under investigation. The common factor with each of these brands is that they are all tested and certified to IEC 60947 Parts 1 & 3, as required by the current AS/NZS standard Installation and Safety Requirements for Photovoltaic (PV) Arrays AS/NZS 5033:12. This calls into question the adequacy or applicability of IEC 60947 with respect to installations under Australian conditions. Extreme temperatures are encountered especially where Isolators are mounted adjacent to rooftop panels and subjected to the full concentration of the sun, and where temperatures in excess of 85°C have been recorded. In most cases these temperatures exceed those specified by the switch manufacturers. There are a few European brands of Isolators that currently have an unblemished track record, which are available from some of the major PV ‘Balance of System’ suppliers. Also available from some of these suppliers is a ‘Weather Shield’ that protects the DC Isolators from the full force of the sun’s rays and weather conditions.

The Benedict Isolator The Benedict Isolator from Austria has been proven to be one of the safest and most reliable on the market. This product is available as 4 or 8 pole isolator, ranging from 16A to 58A and up to 1500V DC, and has become the Industry standard for residential and commercial applications. It doesn’t make sense for installers to skimp by using cheap or inferior Isolators that could endanger people’s property & lives, when for just a few extra dollars per isolator, everybody from the solar retailer through to the home owner can have peace of mind that a proven quality isolator is installed. Contact PV Connections for more information on Benedict Isolators. 1300 818 419 or sales@pvconnections.com

As the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer, technological innovation is essential to Yingli Solar’s position as a global leader in solar energy. Ongoing R&D is the key to both the quality and cost structure of its products and to a long-term commitment to grid parity. Yingli’s Research and Development is powered by three global R&D labs which collaborate to accelerate product development and incorporate local customer feedback. In Asia, China’s State Key Research and Development Lab is a national-level lab dedicated to PV technology, located on Yingli’s campus in Beijing. In Europe, Yingli’s after-sales service and R&D centre located in Madrid Spain is the largest R&D and post-sales support lab in the industry. In America the Yingli PV Testing Lab in San Francisco, California, is dedicated to solar panel characterisation, reliability and durability testing. A good example is Yingli’s recent announcement of trial production of mono-crystalline silicon modules with N-type Metal-Wrap-Through (N-MWT) technology. As part of a strategic collaboration agreement, Formula E, a leading supplier of photovoltaic technology and automated manufacturing lines, has designed and produced a set of innovative manufacturing equipment for back contact applications in the production of N-MWT modules. The equipment has been installed in one of Yingli’s module workshops, and production trials are on-going. The N-MWT technology, just one of the highly innovative technologies the company is involved in, will reduce power loss in the module encapsulation process and improve cell efficiency. It will achieve this by reducing the amount of metal applied to each solar cell, which exposes more of the solar cell’s surface area to sunlight than with traditional monocrystalline technologies. “The Formula E team worked tirelessly to put in place a pilot production line that enables the automated manufacturing of different module architectures, delivering unprecedented reliability, accuracy and precision in the manufacturing of MWT modules. Our collaboration with Yingli Solar is definitely strategic for our growth. We believe a new age for PV industry is now open and promises appealing results for end users,” commented Davide Spotti, the President of Formula E. “We believe that cost reduction and technology improvement are critical to achieving our mission, which is to provide affordable green energy for all,” said Cindy Hu, Vice President & Technical Director of Yingli Green Energy. “These innovations in MWT technology are the result of our team’s strong partnership with Formula E. We look forward to further optimising our manufacturing processes through joint efforts with leading PV equipment manufacturers, including Formula E.” For more information: Christian Bindel, Technical Manager, Yingli Green Energy Australia Pty Ltd. Phone: 02 8017 8700. Email: Australia@yinglisolar.com/au. Web: www.yinglisolar.com/au

Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the Australian Solar Council 42 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

SMA Flexible Storage Solution Our System Solution For Your Independence The SMA Flexible Storage System offers individual solutions for virtually all requirements. Its modular design provides intelligent energy management with versatile storage capacity and system power. This adaptable solution for new and existing systems keeps generated solar energy on reserve until it is needed in the household. It comprises the main components of a Sunny Island battery inverter, an SMA PV inverter such as the Sunny Boy or Sunny Tripower, a Sunny Home Manager, a Sunny Remote Control, an SMA Energy Meter and batteries. The SMA Smart Home system maximises self-consumption and can boost self-consumption rates from 30 per cent up to 65 per cent*. Usage of PV power is possible 24 hours a day and decreases dependency on electricity from utility companies up to 65 per cent*.

The versatile solution for new and retrofit PV systems Storage systems are used around the world for different reasons, providing additional energy supply security and greater self-sufficiency, they can also make PV systems more economical by increasing the rate of self-consumption. Battery requirements are equally diverse. A relatively large battery capacity is needed to bridge prolonged grid failures but has a significant impact on the economic viability of the system. If independence is a priority, then at least a medium-sized battery is required. However, an additional energy source is needed during periods of low solar radiation. The minimum initial investment costs are top priority if the battery is smaller. System requirements also vary depending on the individual goals that PV system owners want to reach. SMA offers an adaptable storage solution that can be adjusted for all needs – the SMA Flexible Storage System. It consists of a Sunny Island battery inverter, Speedwire Data Module, Sunny Remote Control, SMA Energy Meter and Sunny Home Manager. These can be combined with an existing SMA PV inverter and an individually customised number of batteries.

For retrofitting The SMA Flexible Storage System can be integrated into almost any PV system. The Sunny Island enables PV-self consumption optimisation, and allows for the customisation of the battery size and capacity.

Flexible Along with storage power and battery capacity, the battery type and brand are chosen by the customer. The SMA Flexible Storage System can work with any lead acid sizing from 100Ah – 10000Ah or lithium-ion battery from major manufacturers such as LG Chem, Sony, Samsung, SAFT, Dispatch Energy, Akasol and Leclanché.

Safe If the utility grid fails, the backup power supply guarantees a secure electricity supply. The inverter technology used in this system has an extremely high overload capacity ensuring that critical loads can be operated reliably. In the field of lithium-ion technology, SMA works closely with major companies who offer proven safety concepts for batteries. And thanks to a special data link between the battery and the inverter, the system can ensure optimal battery management and component interplay.

System advantages at a glance: • • • •

Approximately 57 per cent* less electricity from utility companies Self-consumption rate boosted to 65 per cent (up from 30)* Use of solar power possible 24 hours a day All PV power generated annually is used, even when the active power is limited • Can be used to upgrade almost any existing PV system • Maximum flexibility in terms of storage, battery type and battery capacity • Future-oriented with smart grid compatibility *All figures are based on the use of a Sunny Home Manager, an annual PV generation and power consumption of 5,000 kWh, and an effective battery capacity of 5 kWh.

For more information, please contact SMA Australia at 1800 SMA AUS. You can also visit us during Clean Energy Week at our booth at ATRAA.

Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the Australian Solar Council Solar Progress | 43

Quality work

Positive step, Positive Quality

QUALITY

POSITIVE Q

Positive Quality, positive outlook. ASC’s recently launched voluntary industry program is set to inject greater consumer confidence in solar panels and PV installations while boosting the industry’s reputation.

y Assurance The solar industry has taken a step forward by introducing Positive Quality, a unique solar panel inspection program that is designed to deliver all-round benefit: greater confidence in solar modules and reassurances in the solar industry. The program is not before its time. As commented by many in the solar industry, it fills a long-standing gap in the regulation process by focusing on processes undertaken during manufacture. This is achieved by Positive Quality Program participants agreeing to a series of checks and balances at the point of manufacture to ensure materials and processes are of a genuine high standard. Solar panels bound for the Australian market will on arrival sport the Solar Panel Trust Mark, “Which is a badge that symbolises trust and confidence,” said ASC CEO John Grimes who implemented the program. “The Positive Quality logo will be the badge of quality workmanship.”

quality certificates; random spot checks (at just 30 minutes’ notice) on modules bound for shipment; and a check for compliance with IEC and Australian Standards. Only solar panels that meet Australian Standards during continuous testing will be certified under the Positive Quality program. Stringency of inspection is revealed by the comprehensive nature of the module audit which includes Hi-pot testing, wet-leakage current testing of two modules, EL verification against internal manufacturer EL standards, IV verification against internal IV tests during production, J box lead pull test, and Dimensional testing and aesthetic verification. “Stand out with positive, on-going module quality verification,” is the program’s tagline.

“Positive Quality draws a line in the sand for the solar industry to proactively regulate and achieve a high standard, for the present and future, and lead the way in renewable energy.”

Continuous Quality

Audits for plaudits: Continuous testing, continuous quality Key components of the Positive Quality program are the comprehensive 60-point factory check; authentication of third party

Program launch Speaking at the May program launch, John Grimes explained, “The Board of the Australian Solar Council contemplated the best means of delivering assurances and chose the continuous inspection path for the Positive Quality program. “It’s a voluntary program that raises the bar. It is about positive, continuous, module quality verification. Project developers, consultants and

“Margaret Mead [said] ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has’.”

L to R: Phil Livingston of Urban Group; Leigh Storr of Bio Solar, ASC CEO John Grimes, Daman Cole of Yingli Solar, Samuel Blackadder of JA Solar, Andrew Burgess and Rami Fedda of Solar Juice

44 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

QUALITY

Quality control at point of manufacture (image courtesy of Yingli Solar) the general public will quickly identify highquality solar panels when they see the Positive Quality logo – it is an important, and many agree, long overdue stamp of approval for the solar industry. “Until now a paper assessment carried out just once every five years is all that has been done before a particular solar panel can be used in Australia,” Grimes said. ”The lack of regulation has resulted in some substandard panels entering the Australian market with some manufacturers passing off inferior panels as ‘high quality’. “We see disreputable manufacturers ‘gaming the system’, substituting cheap materials, and pricing quality manufacturers out of the market.” He added that consumers often ask which company’s modules can trusted and installed on rooftops but that until now there has been no way for the public to identify genuine quality solar panels.

government, the commercial market and end users. “We are aiming for full engagement across the market and Positive Quality will be integral to the process, generating high levels of exposure,” Blackadder said. Andrew Burgess of Solar Juice regards the Positive Quality program as “An important initiative that enables rigor of products and provides additional security for consumers. There have been many challenges in past few years in terms of quality. For our part, Australian company Solar Juice aligns with brands with similar values, and products are backed by warranties.

Assurance

Support on board: foundation partners Staunch ‘early bird’ supporters include Trina Solar, Yingli Solar and JA Solar, three of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, along with local wholesale distributor Solar Juice. Samuel Blackadder of JA Solar told Solar Progress his company was always interested in industry advances. “We want to be a part of helping the industry step forward and Positive Quality fits the bill. “Our manufacturing techniques are first class and we want to make sure the Australian public know about the differentiation. Consumers can then help determine high quality products.” JA Solar is staging a marketing campaign over the next 12 months targeting utilities,

Defining quality During Solar 2014 Daman Cole of Yingli Solar defined quality as “The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.” He listed key considerations for quality as: the company’s history in manufacturing, full vertical integration, automated assembly, bankability and global market presence, combined with independent testing, high yield and performance, and a local sales and support office. Underpinning the success of Positive Quality, he said, are independent assessments and a full audit on certifications; checking factory and random stock. Daman Cole quoted Margaret Mead who declared: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

“We decided to look at our brand in the Australian market and commenced discussions with JA Solar, and are now in a position where we have agreements for an OEM solution with the Solar Juice range of opal panels. “Various initiatives have attempted to improve the quality of products supplied into the market, but there has been no ongoing auditing of products. Being a product based program Positive Quality provides more value in ensuring products coming into the country meet a minimum standard. This will provide assurance on an ongoing basis, it’s not a one-off process.” Representing Sungrid was Leigh Storr of Bio Solar who commented that Positive Quality “Sets a standard for the solar industry in self regulation, and by putting these processes and practices in place and ensuring it’s sustainable, the program shores up the long-term future for solar. “The consumer electronics market produces varying degrees of quality,” he said, “but Positive Quality draws a line in the sand for the solar industry to proactively regulate and achieve a high standard, for the present and future, and lead the way in renewable energy.”

Want more information or to sign up for the Positive Quality program? Contact ASC CEO John Grimes on 0400 102 396.

POSITIVE QUALITY

Continuous Quality Assurance

Solar Progress | 45

Member profile

Hareon Solar’s stellar journey The scale and speed of Hareon Solar’s rise is phenomenal by any measure. The Chinese module maker sprang into existence just ten short years ago and today it manufactures more than 1.6 GW of cells and 1.1 GW of modules annually. The unique “poly to parks” business model helps shore up Hareon Solar’s standing. During Solar 2014 Hareon Solar’s Ray Wilson displayed images of a sprawling 29.3 MW solar PV plant under construction in Bulgaria. Amid acres of snow and slush covered fields the $108 million plant took shape, emerging as a sea of PV panels in just eight short weeks. Setting a cracking pace is the hallmark of Hareon Solar, whose meteoric rise to a top tier vertically integrated solar module manufacturer has been powered by solar visionary Samuel Yang. The leading light in China’s photovoltaic industry already had a string of successful ventures to his name, having co-founded three of China’s largest PV companies: Suntech, JA Solar and China Sunergy. Yang foresaw the need to address tight margins on module sales, and the solution lay in adopting the big picture approach: to take a stake in large-scale PV plants through part or full ownership and securing revenue from electricity production down the track. Today the verticallyintegrated company not only manufactures products for every link on the PV value chain including silicon ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and PV systems, but also designs, constructs, finances and operates commercial and utilityscale solar power-plants.

Powering ahead To date Hareon Solar has invested in more than 750 MW of PV power-plant projects across the

“We gain constant feedback from production lines in the bid to improve processes, it is one continuous circle of improvements.”

emphasised that stringent checks on product quality underpinned plant operations and that “Quality controls take place throughout the entire integrated production process, from wafer manufacturing to silicon cell and module assembly. “We also control the quality criteria in the design stage and in research into new products, we gain feedback from production lines and continually drive developments, it is like a continuous circle of improvements,” Zhang said. “We have reaped dividends in terms of output and efficiency in recent years, with a reduction in consumption by the modules.”

Target markets Mr Yongxin Zhang: Hareon Solar remains on a strong and steady growth path globe. Early in 2014 the company added to the already impressive tally, completing eight ground-mounted solar power plants totaling 220 MW in northwest China. Hareon VP of Business Development Ray Wilson explains the flexible business model thus: “We are in the business from poly to parks, by controlling every stage of production we control quality and costs which guarantees value and minimises risk to our customers.” During Solar 2014 in Melbourne Solar Progress caught up with Hareon Solar’s Chief Operating Officer Mr Yongxin Zhang to discuss the company’s core strengths and future directions.

Under the microscope Speaking through Hareon’s Sydney based Sales Manager Jason Hwang, Mr Zhang

Today Hareon Solar boasts branches in the US, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australia. Export markets include Europe, the US, Australia; Asia (South Korea, Japan, and India) as well as the emerging PV markets in Africa and South America. With its many forward thinking policies towards renewables, homeland China remains the most fertile ground for development and is Hareon’s primary market, followed by Japan which also sports favourable solar policies. “Other countries are considering subsidy reductions but Hareon is keeping an eye on Asia Pacific’s emerging market,” Zhang said. “We also want to gain better penetration in the US and across the European market. Some nations’ economic protection policies make it tougher to develop business but because we control more of the market and program we can put together a competitive and compelling project. “China is now trying to slow the [market] growth rate while building a healthier economy. Hareon’s growth may not continue at previous rate but we have the confidence to keep growing the business,” Zhang said. “We are adopting a ‘steady as she goes’ approach.” www.hareonsolar.com Hareon Solar’s vision: To create a better world by fulfilling society’s need for energy, without environmental side effects

46 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Professional membership of ASC The Australian Solar Council recently introduced three new types of individual membership to the association: Graduate, Professional and Fellow. The addition was in response to a popular request by members seeking formal recognition of their professional experience and qualifications through the ASC. These new categories are beneficial for professionals with an involvement in the solar industry and who are seeking status from their qualification (Graduate/post graduate); their work in the industry (Professional); or their high level of input to the industry, as approved at Board level (Fellow). Participation in this program is voluntary and recognises formal academic qualifications and hands-on experience and expertise.

Graduate Member (GMASC) Any Member who holds a Degree or a recognised equivalent in a relevant field from a

Fellow of the Council (FASC) Any Member (of three or more years) and who has been actively involved in the solar industry for at least ten years may be eligible for elevation to Fellow of the Council, on the proviso they

university or technical institution and is actively engaged in the industry shall be entitled to be accepted as a Graduate Member.

have contributed substantially to the solar industry through outstanding service. This is to be in at least one of the following areas:

Professional Member (PMASC)

research, development and innovation leading to creation of new knowledge; technology

Any Member who holds a Degree (e.g. BSc, MSc or PhD) or a recognised equivalent from a university or technical institution and has been actively engaged in the solar industry for at least three years, or holds a Diploma or recognised equivalent from a university or technical institution and has been actively engaged in the solar industry for at least five years, is eligible for Professional membership. Those who provide evidence of equivalent applied skills and experience not less than that expected for those under the above clauses and has been actively engaged in the solar or related industry for at least seven years are also eligible and are encouraged to apply.

transfer, education and training; development of the industry including advocacy, promotion, standards or public image; or development of the affairs of the Council. Members who are recognised under the professional membership category will be able to use the corresponding abbreviation as a postnominal to demonstrate their formal recognition by the Australian Solar Council for admission into that category. Individuals may want to consider applying, or upgrading their existing individual membership. More details can be seen at: http://solar.org.au/ join-the-solar-council/individual-membership/

Stage a presence in Solar Progress Solar Progress is the flagship publication of the Australian Solar Council. Delving into cutting-edge developments from the nano-scale to big solar, and industry solar advocacy to commentary and all in between, the magazine is created by and for the solar community. It is your industry magazine. A snapshot of Solar Progress: • Four issues a year • Circulated to 5000 solar specialists across Australia • Read by up to 18,000 industry devotees Solar Progress is circulated to manufacturers, distributors, installers, designers, project managers, politicians, engineers, consultants, and the increasingly aware consumer. Firmly positioned on the radar of the entire solar community, Solar Progress is the ideal vehicle in which to promote your company service or product.

Branding boost Solar Progress Online – extend the reach of your marketing budget. Companies signing up now for a full-page advert in Solar Progress will enjoy the benefit of a free online ad in Solar Progress Online, the Solar Council’s news and industry section of www.solar.org.au. Your online ad will make your marketing dollar go further with increased visibility and links directly to your website. With online exposure at 16,000 page views/month, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

To participate, contact ASC Business Development Manager, Joanna Joustra on 0402 938 401 or email Joanna@solar.org.au

Joanna Joustra is your contact for advertising in Solar Progress, now syndicated with the ASC website. With previous leadership positions within the publishing and events industries Joanna has a proven record of establishing highly effective relationships that support growth initiatives. Joanna lives in a solar powered home in an off grid co-operative.

ASC Corporate Members Diamond Member Hareon Solar Technology Co, Ltd

Large Corporate Members Alternergy Power Systems Australia Pty Ltd

R F Industries Pty Ltd

Apricus Australia Pty Ltd

ReneSola

A Aerone Energy Pty Ltd ALCO Battery Sales Armada Solar Pty Ltd Australian All Energy Solutions Pty Ltd Autonomous Energy

B Rheem Australia

BYD Europe B.V.

Bramalco Pty Ltd

C Clean Technology Partners Solar Depot Pty Ltd

Chromagen

Gold Corporate Members

SME Corporate Members

DKSH Australia Pty Ltd

Solar Inception

Energy Matters

Canadian Solar Australia

Solargain PV Pty Ltd

E Earthconnect Pty Ltd Ecoult Edson Pty Ltd Energy Assist Victoria Pty Ltd Euro Solar F Fronius Australia Pty Ltd

Enphase Energy Inc ®

Solari Energy Pty Ltd EnviroGroup

Greenbank Environmental

Garrad Hassan Pacific P/L Going Solar Grundfos Holding A/S

H SOLIMPEKS

Infinity Solar

SunPower Corporation Australia

Green Energy Trading L&H Solar + Solutions

True Value Solar

MaxiSolar Pty Ltd

Harrisons Home Energy Solutions Ltd Home Green Pty Ltd Horan and Bird Horizon Solar Technologies

I Industrial Investments Group K Keemin Pty Ltd

O Lishen

Photon Energy Pty Ltd

Ogden Power ZNSHINE Solar

P Positronic Solar Data and Electrical

Institutional Members Shanghai JA Solar PV Technology

Q Q-Cells Australia Pty Ltd

RMIT University

Co Ltd Institute of Sustainable Futures

Solar World WA City of Melbourne

Institute of Sustainable Futures

Trina Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd

Town of Port Hedland

Raco Energy Pty Ltd Rainbow Power Company Ltd REFUsol Regen Power Pty Ltd

S SI Clean Energy Pty Ltd Solar Charge Pty Ltd Solar Freedom Australia Pty Ltd Solar360 Pty Ltd Solarmatrix SolarMax (Sputnik Engineering Australia and NZ Pty Ltd) Solarmyhome Pty Ltd SolarReserve Solco Ltd Springers Solar Standard Solar Pty Ltd SunTrix

Yingli Green Energy Australia Pty Ltd

Todae Solar

V City of Sydney Sustainability

Venergy

W Westgen WINAICO Australia Pty Ltd

48 | ISSUE 2 • 2014

Issue 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014 Micro Corporate Members 1800 Tas Solar 3GEN Power Pty Ltd

A1 Batterypro Absolute Solar AC Solar Warehouse Access Water & Energy Adelaide Electrical Solar & Security AdR Sustainable Engineering Solutions AELEC AICA Engineering Pty Ltd Almaden Aust Pty Ltd Amara Electrical Services Andrew Mellor Electrical Apollo Solar Pty Ltd Arise Energy Pty Ltd ASAP Maintenance Services P/L Ausdaws Electrical Pty/Ltd Aussie Made Solar Australian Home Services Australian Solar Installations Australian Solar Quotes Australian Solar Systems Pty Ltd / Vulcan Energy Australian Sustainable Energy Services AvEnergy Pty Ltd

Baker Renewable Energy Baylec Electrical Pty Ltd Below Zero Bernie's Greener Homes BGB Electrical Blue Mountains Solar Pty Ltd Bradman Recruitment BREAZE Energy Solutions BTS Energy

Central Solar Systems Clean Economy Services Clean Energy Enterprises Clean Energy Solar Clean N Free Pty Ltd Clements Airconditioning, Refrigeration & Electrical Clewers Solar Solutions Climatecare Electrical Coastwide Solar Pty Ltd Collridge Pty Ltd Complete Automation Services & Electrical Control-Tech Electrical Coolgaia Pty Ltd Couts Electrical Pty Ltd Croc Solar Cromack Electrics CSA Solar Current Generation Technology

D & T Electrical Service Pty Ltd Davey Electrical DC Solar Design Ecology Devlin, Anthony Dimark Constructions Direct Electrical Solutions DLG Electrical Pty Ltd Down South Solar Power Dutchy's Electrical Contracting Pty Ltd

E E.L. & R.J. Polack Earth Potential Eco Logic Energy Solutions Eco Power and Lighting Ecoast Energy EcoSmart Solar EcoSouth Solar Electricity Ecospark Electrical Electec Technologies Pty Ltd Electrical Effect Electrical Solar Power Projects Pty Ltd Elliott, Peter Ellsworth Adhesives Australia Energised Homes P/L Energy Makeovers Pty Limited Energy Options EnergyPak EnergySpec Electrical Enviren EnviroSure International Euan Angus Solar eurosnake Exlites Pty Ltd

Focused Solutions Pty Ltd Forty Foot

GE Hunt GEA Solar Pty Ltd Geelong Solar Energy Glen Clark & Co Glynncorp Electrical Godwins Green Energy Gold Power Solar Goodhew electrical and solar. Green Earth Electrical Green Energy Options Greener Housing Solutions Greenlink Solar

Harelec Services HCB Solar

iLite Electrical Pty Ltd IN2Solar (Qld) Pty Ltd Independent Power Systems Pty Ltd Industrial Air (S.A.) Pty Ltd Inphinity Pty Ltd iSolar

J McMicking Electrics Jet Electrical Solutions JNS Electrical Jones Redmond pty ltd

Kangaroo Valley Solar Keystones Solar Group Know How Technology P/L Kurta Electrics

Lanczont, Adam Laser Electrical Goolwa Leadsun Australia Liberty Saver Light Touch Electrical Linked Group Services Local Power Log-On Electrical (MyPowerMP) LP Electrical Australia Pty Ltd

M|Power

Madison Australia Pty Ltd Mannix Airconditioning and Solar Mark The Spark Martin Taylor Matt Hatty Electrical Maurie Morrisson Electrical Meyerburger Mighty Mouse Solar Mode Electrical MPV Group Pty Ltd MV Solar

Naked Energy NATEC Navitus Solar Negawatts ELectrical Nelson South Electrical Contractor Neolec NeuTek Energy Pty Ltd New Direction Solar Newman Mundy Electrical Pty Ltd Nigel Griffin Electrical Noble Electrical Services NoCarbon Pty Ltd NuWay Solar

O`Neill Electrics Merredin Olaire Onshore Designs Opulent Electrical Services Outback Energy Supply Outback Solar Solutions Pty Ltd

Pesce Pty Ltd Peter Lyons Philip Cheesman & Associates Pink Building Services Pty Ltd PJ Electrical Pty Ltd Platinum Solar Polyglot Group Profx PSE Communication & Electrical

Qelec Queensland State Solar

Rainbow Solar RE Plus REA Global Pty Ltd Red Phase Electrical Services Reduce My Bill Regen Power Renewable Energy Traders Australia Rescue the Future Pty Ltd Rising Sun Electrics RJ. Cord Enterprises Pty Ltd RK Solar & Consulting Services P/L RMIG Electrical Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd RolaSolar Pty Ltd R-U-Zapt Electrical Pty Ltd

Selectronic Australia Self-Sufficiency Supplies Seymour Solar SGS Australia Pty. Ltd. Shamash Australia Pty Ltd Smart Electrics Snapfrozen Sola Connections Australia Solar 4 RVs Solar Access Group

Solar Backup Solar Business Services Solar Connections Solar Creations Solar Daily Pty Ltd Solar Distributors Pty Ltd Solar Energy Options Solar Gold Vic Solar Parks Australia Solar Pumping Solutions Solar Quotes Solar Reaction Pty Ltd Solar Wise Wagga Pty Ltd Solar, Energy, Environment Solar2020 SolarGods SolarHub Solaris Sustainable Homes SolarWorks Solazone Pty Ltd Solis Australasia Pty Ltd Solvation Pty Ltd Sondase Pty Ltd Space Solar Service Pty Ltd SR Energy Pty Ltd Stand-Alone Solutions Pty Ltd Starr Electrics / Solar Choices FNQ steve hopwood electrical Steven Zilm - Solar & Electrical Contractors Sunday Energy / Ecofficient Pty Ltd Sunfusion Pty Ltd Sungevity Australia Sunjuice Solar Sunspark Solar Suntech R&D Australia Pty Ltd Sunwire Sunwise Solar Systems Sunwiz Sustainable Energy Consulting Sustainable Impact

TechSafe Australia The MGA Electrical Trust The Solar Power Pro The Solar Professionals Thirroul Solar Pty Ltd Tiger Solar Tintagel Systems Pty Ltd Top notch electrics pl Total Energy Systems Townsville Solar Solutions Pty Ltd Track Energy

Urban renewables p/l UV Power Pty Ltd

VIP Solar Voltmaster Electrical Contracting

Warren Smith & Partners Wesglo Electric West Coast Solar nrg West Coast Sustainability West Moreton Electrical Pty Ltd Westsun Solar Wildy Airconditioning and Electrical

York Electrical Service

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